The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Ibom Air cabin crew, including flight attendant Juliana Edward, alongside passenger Comfort Emmanson, for further questioning over a recent controversial incident. The move follows viral videos shared online on August 10 showing Emmanson being forcibly dragged by airline staff during a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
According to Mr. Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the Authority engaged Emmanson earlier on Tuesday, and she, along with the crew, is expected to appear before the NCAA on Wednesday. He made this disclosure at the Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja, stressing that the probe will continue without compromise.
Achimugu noted that the flight captain did not immediately request security intervention upon arrival in Lagos, as the situation appeared resolved before departure from Uyo, and that Emmanson later drew additional attention when she was the last passenger to disembark after using the restroom.
Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, highlighted that indiscipline among passengers and lapses in professionalism by crew have fueled unruly behavior in Nigeria’s aviation industry. He condemned deliberate disregard of regulations by certain stakeholders but commended the NCAA’s enforcement efforts, urging aviation bodies to fully support regulatory compliance and passenger safety.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions, with Emmanson recently threatening legal action against the federal government, aviation regulators, and other parties involved. Achimugu reassured stakeholders that the NCAA will “leave no stone unturned” in investigating the matter to safeguard aviation standards and consumer protection.