Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has summoned Comfort Emmanson and a member of the Ibom Air cabin crew, Juliana Edward, for further investigation into a reported incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday by Mr. Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, during the ongoing Emergency National Civil Aviation Security Committee and Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.
He explained this while responding to questions after his presentation.
According to Achimugu, the Authority had already engaged with Emmanson earlier in the day, and she, together with the Ibom Air crew, is expected to appear before the NCAA on Wednesday for continuation of the probe.
“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,” he said.
He clarified that the pilot did not call in security personnel upon landing in Lagos, as the issue seemed resolved during the flight.
However, Emmanson, who reportedly visited the restroom after landing, was the last to disembark from the aircraft.
Assuring the public of transparency, Achimugu said the NCAA remains committed to uncovering all the facts surrounding the incident.
In his remarks, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, pointed out that both indiscipline among passengers and lapses in professionalism by airport personnel and crew have worsened cases of unruly behaviour in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He criticised deliberate disregard of regulations by some stakeholders but praised the NCAA for maintaining enforcement measures, urging other aviation bodies to support the Authority in ensuring safety and compliance in the sector.
