The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says a verified eyewitness has stepped forward with a first-hand account of the altercation between passenger Comfort Emmanson and an Ibom Air crew member, an incident that has dominated headlines and social media for days.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu revealed on Wednesday that the witness, who sat directly beside Emmanson on the August 10 Uyo–Lagos flight, provided his boarding pass for verification and shared testimony offering new perspectives on the events before takeoff. Achimugu said the statement sheds light on the behaviour of other parties involved and passenger handling before departure.
The NCAA has issued a Letter of Investigation to Ibom Air and will invite the airline and other eyewitnesses to a meeting, while the witness plans to release a personal statement later. Achimugu expressed relief that a verifiable account had emerged, warning against reliance on “fake audios and claims” circulating online. He reaffirmed the commitment of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and the NCAA to protecting the rights of all aviation stakeholders and fixing systemic gaps.
The development comes as the Federal Government withdraws its criminal complaint against Emmanson and reduces Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s flight ban to one month, following stakeholder consultations, public appeals, and expressions of remorse by those involved. Ibom Air has also agreed to drop its own complaint against Emmanson.
