By Joy Yesufu
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that the incident involving a passenger Comfort Emmanson on Ibom Air’s flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025, is fundamentally different from the August 5, 2025, altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, which involved Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate (KWAM1) and ValueJet Airlines.
In a statement issued by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, the regulatory body explained that Ibom Air’s handling of Emmanson’s assault on the cabin crew was independent and not influenced by NCAA directives.
The statement emphasized that the airline had acted based on the evidence at hand, which included the passenger physically assaulting the crew and causing a disturbance.
“Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had every right to announce the indefinite ban on Emmanson following her violent behavior. If the airline decides to shorten or lift the ban after a review, that would be at their discretion.
“We understand that cabin crew are not just staff, they are human beings who deserve respect and protection like any other person. Nobody should be subjected to violence, especially in the course of their duties.” Achimugu noted.
He pointed out that while Ibom Air took the step of charging Emmanson to court, ValueJet Airlines did not pursue legal action in the KWAM1 case, which led NCAA to escalate the matter.
“Had ValueJet taken legal action, the NCAA would not have had to intervene. However, since they did not, NCAA referred the matter to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for further investigation.”
The NCAA also addressed the issue of crew members’ responsibility to ensure safety and security. “Cabin crew are tasked not only with passenger comfort but also with ensuring security within the aircraft. Restraining a passenger, even without physical contact, is a necessary measure in maintaining control.”
In the wake of the KWAM1 incident, he said NCAA took disciplinary action by suspending ValueJet’s pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and co-pilot Flight Officer Ivan Oloba pending investigation.
Additionally, KWAM1 was placed on the no-fly list for six months, and the NCAA demanded a thorough investigation into the Fuji musician’s actions, which included blocking the plane’s path and refusing a flask inspection, before he later issued a public apology.
The NCAA emphasized that its involvement in both cases was based on the actions or inactions of the respective airlines. The body continues to advocate for stricter enforcement of passenger and crew safety regulations in the Nigerian aviation sector.
