FG Summons Ibom Air Crew and Passenger Over Airport Incident

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stepped into the recent controversy involving an Ibom Air flight after summoning both a cabin crew member and the passenger at the center of the incident.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the summons on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.

He explained that the authority invited both Ibom Air’s cabin crew member, Juliana Edward, and the passenger, Comfort Emmanson, for further questioning.

Achimugu revealed that he had already spoken with Emmanson earlier in the day.

He stressed that both parties must appear before NCAA investigators to shed more light on what transpired during the flight.

According to him, “I have spoken with Ms. Emmanson this morning. We are also inviting the Ibom Air cabin crew for continued investigation. They will be here tomorrow.”

While clearing the air, Achimugu noted that the pilot did not call for security intervention after landing in Lagos since the matter seemed to have calmed down before the aircraft touched the ground.

However, Emmanson, who reportedly visited the restroom after landing, ended up as the last passenger to leave the plane.

Achimugu reassured Nigerians that NCAA will not sweep the matter under the carpet.

He insisted that the authority remains committed to exposing all the facts surrounding the controversial incident.

Meanwhile, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, reacted strongly to the development.

He argued that misconduct in the aviation sector has become more frequent due to a general breakdown of discipline among passengers, airport staff, and even crew members.

He urged all stakeholders to restore discipline in order to protect safety and order within the industry.

In a related move, NCAA announced a new directive to tighten in-flight regulations.

The authority now requires all passengers to completely switch off their mobile phones during takeoff and landing. Officials believe stricter adherence to such rules will reduce distractions for crew members and prevent unnecessary incidents.

The controversy began when Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight, became involved in an altercation that sparked heated debate within Nigeria’s aviation community.

Many Nigerians on social media demanded explanations from both the airline and regulatory authorities.

The incident has since raised questions about the handling of conflicts on board domestic flights and the role of cabin crew in managing such disputes.

By summoning both Emmanson and Edward, NCAA hopes to establish a clear account of the events and determine whether disciplinary action will follow.

The authority also promised to share updates with the public once investigations conclude.

This latest controversy comes at a time when Nigeria’s aviation industry faces growing scrutiny.

Rising reports of unruly behavior, staff misconduct, and security lapses have forced regulators to tighten rules.

As stakeholders gather facts, many believe this case could set a precedent for how airlines and passengers handle disputes in the future.

For now, the spotlight remains on Ibom Air, its crew, and the summoned passenger, as Nigerians await the NCAA’s final verdict.