NCAA Clarifies Role in Ibom Air Passenger Assault Case, Says Ban Can Be Lifted
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has denied claims that it charged or banned Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of assaulting Ibom Air cabin crew on a flight from Uyo to Lagos. Speaking during an X Space session on Monday, Mike Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained that the authority does not dictate airline prosecutions, stressing that only the court can determine the outcome of such cases.
Achimugu contrasted Emmanson’s case with that of popular Fuji artiste Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, who was involved in an altercation aboard a ValueJet flight on August 5. In KWAM 1’s incident, he was accused of refusing to surrender a flask suspected to contain alcohol, claiming instead it held prescribed medication. Following his refusal and subsequent confrontation with crew members, the musician was initially placed on a six-month no-fly list by the NCAA, later changed to an indefinite ban pending a full investigation.
According to Achimugu, the Ibom Air matter unfolded differently. He said the airline acted independently, relying on available video evidence showing Emmanson hitting a cabin crew member and resisting restraint. “When you see a passenger hitting a cabin crew member in the way the lady was doing, you may have to agree the airlines had every right to announce a ban,” he said.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) responded by placing Emmanson on a lifetime no-fly list, describing the incident as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year.” Ibom Air also imposed its own travel restriction, while pursuing legal action that led to Emmanson’s remand at Kirikiri correctional facility by a magistrate court in Ogba, Lagos, until October 6.
Achimugu emphasised that while airlines are free to seek prosecution, both parties may choose to settle the matter out of court. He also defended the crew’s response, noting that blocking an unruly passenger’s path without physical contact is a legitimate form of restraint, though standard practices could evolve over time
The NCAA spokesman reiterated that the authority did not issue any directive to blacklist Emmanson, stressing that AON is within its rights to enforce bans when incidents threaten crew safety. He cited past cases, such as a mid-air disturbance between London and Nigeria involving intoxicated passengers, where the absence of video evidence hindered disciplinary measures.
Achimugu concluded by reminding the public that airline staff are “fellow Nigerians” who deserve respect and protection while performing their duties. “Nobody deserves to be beaten up or hit in the manner that occurred on this flight,” he said, warning that unruly behaviour will continue to attract strong industry responses.
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