By Ademuyiwa Balikis
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to passengers who were aboard the Ibom Air Uyo to Lagos flight (IAN513) last Sunday to come forward with firsthand accounts to aid its ongoing investigation into an onboard altercation involving a female passenger and crew members.
In a statement issued by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the agency urged witnesses to share any relevant details of the incident by sending a direct message via social media or email.
Achimugu said the NCAA’s priority was to obtain multiple perspectives in order to ensure a fair and comprehensive review.
The incident, which occurred on 4th of August 2025, involved a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson, who reportedly refused to comply with safety instructions before take off.
Witnesses claimed she declined to switch off her mobile phone and later engaged in a physical confrontation with flight attendants. Video clips circulating online show security operatives forcibly moving the passenger from the aircraft and placing her on a bus, as she screamed in protest.
Mr Achimugu stressed that while unruly behaviour aboard flights is a serious safety and security breach, the NCAA is committed to hearing from all sides including passengers, crew, and other eyewitnesses before drawing conclusions.
He disclosed that NCAA officials in Lagos have been tasked with a fact finding mission and will work with aviation security personnel and the Nigeria Police Force to piece together an accurate account of events.
The NCAA also reminded the public that passenger safety and compliance with crew instructions are critical to aviation operations, and violations can result in penalties ranging from fines to flight bans.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether sanctions will be imposed on the passenger, the airline, or any crew members involved.
