NCAA sheds light on Emmason airport clash

NCAA Explains Details of Ibom Air Passenger Incident and Challenges of Preventing Unruly Behaviour

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), spoke with DAILY POST about the controversial incident involving Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmason. He explained why she was charged to court and why curbing disruptive passenger conduct remains a difficult task for the NCAA.

What did the NCAA’s initial findings reveal about the incident involving Comfort Emmason?

Unruly passenger behaviour is a global phenomenon—aviation authorities everywhere deal with it daily. Internationally, there are standard procedures that allow security to remove a violent or non-compliant passenger if the situation demands it.

In this case, the trouble began when Ms. Emmason refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff. This upset other passengers, and the person seated next to her eventually took the phone and switched it off. Some passengers fear that keeping devices on during takeoff might pose risks, so tensions quickly rose.

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According to reports, Emmason continued to behave disruptively throughout the flight—making obscene gestures at both passengers and crew. To avoid escalation, the crew kept their distance until landing in Lagos.

After most passengers had disembarked, crew members assumed she had left as well. However, she suddenly emerged from her seat (14F) and approached a flight attendant, striking her without provocation. Security was immediately called.

When informed security was on the way, she attempted to leave, prompting the flight attendant to block the exit. Upon security’s arrival, she resisted forcefully—hitting, grabbing, and struggling with those trying to escort her off the plane. Given the confined space of the aircraft and the need to prepare for another flight, she was removed by force.

Her clothes were torn during the removal. Was that necessary?

Video footage shows that during the struggle, her top was torn and parts of her body became exposed. This was not intentional—her clothing was damaged because she resisted removal aggressively.

At one point, she allegedly reached for the aircraft’s fire extinguisher, intending to use it to strike a crew member. The security team had to act swiftly to prevent serious injury or possible loss of life. Even after being placed in the airport transport vehicle, she reportedly continued to fight.

Such removals are rarely “neat” affairs—similar incidents abroad can be even more forceful, sometimes involving extreme measures to subdue passengers who pose risks.

Some Nigerians believe Emmason was treated differently from Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1). Why the disparity?

The NCAA treats each incident according to established regulations. In Emmason’s case, she was arrested and charged in court. Once a matter is in court, the NCAA’s role ends—we neither prosecuted Kwam 1 nor this passenger.

Our concern is maintaining zero tolerance for unruly passenger behaviour. Regardless of status or profile, any passenger who disrupts flight operations or endangers others will face consequences under the law.

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What is the NCAA doing to prevent such behaviour?

Passenger education is ongoing, but human behaviour remains unpredictable. Aviation rules exist because people sometimes disregard safety instructions. Violations can lead to fines, imprisonment, or inclusion on a no-fly list.

While we can take preventive measures, our actions are often reactive—until someone misbehaves, there is little we can do.

Your advice to Nigerian travellers?

Safety rules are not open to negotiation. If the crew instructs you to turn off your phone, do it—regardless of personal beliefs or experiences elsewhere. Regulations are designed to protect everyone onboard, not to inconvenience passengers.