Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has pledged to ensure fairness in addressing the recent Ibom Air incident involving a passenger and a cabin crew member, while warning that unruly behaviour will not be tolerated in the aviation sector.
Speaking in an interview today, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, stressed that passengers should lodge complaints through the proper channels rather than resorting to “self-help.”
He assured that the matter would be handled in line with the law, with fairness to all parties involved.
The controversy erupted after videos surfaced showing passenger Comfort Emmanson assaulting a crew member on a Uyo–Lagos flight.
The airline stated that Emmanson had refused to switch off her phone before takeoff until another passenger intervened.
Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly confronted the Purser, stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, and striking her with her footwear.
Ibom Air imposed a no-fly ban on Emmanson, and she has been charged to court.
Achimugu clarified that the ban is lawful and that both sides could still choose to settle the matter amicably.
He urged passengers to comply with crew instructions, noting that disobedience can have serious consequences.
The incident comes shortly after Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De Ultimate, received a six-month flight ban from the NCAA over a separate case of unruly behaviour at Abuja airport.