The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a formal investigation into the controversial incident involving Ibom Air and a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
On Wednesday, NCAA officials interrogated members of the airline’s crew, including flight attendant Julie Edwards, over the August 10 incident which escalated into a public confrontation. Emmanson, who was filmed clashing with crew and airport officials, was also questioned by the authority on Thursday in Abuja, accompanied by her lawyer.
Confirming the development, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the agency’s key directorates—Aviation Security, Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Legal, and Consumer Protection—are working jointly to ensure a thorough probe.
“Yesterday in Abuja, the NCAA team met with Julie Edwards and other crew members involved in the Comfort Emmanson incident. Later today, Emmanson herself met with the Authority,” Achimugu stated on X (formerly Twitter).
The dispute began mid-flight when Emmanson allegedly ignored safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone and later struck an air hostess. After landing, the confrontation spilled onto the tarmac, with viral videos showing her resisting airport security before being forcefully bundled into an airport bus.
Ibom Air has defended its crew, insisting the passenger repeatedly defied instructions. However, Emmanson’s lawyers have accused the airline of “arbitrary and degrading treatment,” claiming she was humiliated and assaulted in violation of her fundamental rights. They have vowed to pursue civil and criminal action against those involved.
The incident has sparked widespread public debate. Civil society groups, women’s rights advocates, and legal practitioners have demanded an independent inquiry into Ibom Air’s handling of the case.
Meanwhile, an eyewitness seated beside Emmanson during the flight has provided testimony to NCAA investigators. According to Achimugu, the account offered “important perspectives” on both the behaviour of the passenger and the actions of crew members before take-off.
The NCAA has assured the public that its findings will be made public at the conclusion of the investigation.
