The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Ms. Comfort Emmanson, Ms. Juliana Edward, and members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew for further questioning over the August 10 incident in which Emmanson was seen in viral videos being dragged by airline staff during a Uyo–Lagos flight.
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The Authority’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, disclosed this on Tuesday at the ongoing Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.
Achimugu confirmed that the NCAA had already spoken with Emmanson earlier in the day, adding that she and the crew members would appear before the Authority again on Wednesday as part of a continuing investigation.
“I have spoken with Ms. Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation on the incident. They will be here tomorrow,” Achimugu said".
He explained that the pilot-in-command did not immediately alert security operatives upon landing in Lagos because the issue appeared to have been resolved before departure from Uyo. However, Emmanson’s decision to use the restroom after touchdown, which delayed her disembarkation, drew renewed attention to the matter.
Achimugu assured stakeholders that the NCAA would conduct a thorough probe to establish the facts behind the incident, which has sparked widespread debate on passenger rights and crew conduct.
Senate Weighs In
Also speaking at the meeting, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, blamed the growing cases of unruly behaviour in the aviation sector on indiscipline among passengers and professional lapses among airline staff.
He accused some industry players of deliberately violating regulations, but commended the NCAA for its firm stance on enforcement. Abdulfatai urged other aviation agencies to strengthen oversight and support the Authority in safeguarding industry standards.
