The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called in Ms. Comfort Emmanson and a cabin crew member of Ibom Air, Ms. Juliana Edward, for further questioning over an incident that occurred on an Uyo-to-Lagos flight on August 10.
This was disclosed by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, during a question-and-answer session at the Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders Meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Achimugu confirmed that he had personally spoken with Emmanson earlier in the day and that both she and the airline staff would face additional inquiry.
“I have spoken with Ms. Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation on the incident. They will be here tomorrow,” he said.
He also clarified reports suggesting that the pilot had called in security after landing in Lagos, noting that the matter appeared settled during the flight. However, he added that Emmanson, who briefly used the restroom after touchdown, ended up being the last passenger to disembark.
To reassure the public, Achimugu stressed that the NCAA would ensure transparency and a thorough review of events leading to the matter.
At the same meeting, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, linked the rise in aviation-related misconduct to what he described as a “decline in discipline” among both passengers and airline personnel. He urged strict compliance with professional ethics and commended the NCAA’s enforcement role. Abdulfatai also encouraged other aviation agencies to support the NCAA in upholding safety and order within the sector.
What you should know
The incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Air cabin crew has drawn regulatory attention, with the NCAA stepping in to investigate.
While details remain under review, the case underscores growing concerns about discipline and passenger conduct in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
