The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a formal investigation into the recent altercation between passenger Comfort Emanson and members of the Ibom Air crew.
As part of the inquiry, NCAA officials on Wednesday met in Abuja with Julie Edwards—identified as a key figure in the incident—alongside other crew members directly involved.
This was disclosed by the NCAA’s publicist, Michael Achimugu, in a post on his X account on Thursday.
“Yesterday in Abuja, the NCAA team met with Julie Edwards and other members of the crew involved in the Comfort Emanson incident as part of investigations into that event,” Achimugu stated.
He added that the Authority’s directorates of Aviation Security, Operations, Licensing, Training Standards, Legal, and Consumer Protection are working jointly to ensure “a proper conclusion to this investigation.”
The embattled passenger, Comfort Emanson, was also scheduled to appear before the Authority on Thursday, accompanied by her legal counsel.
The controversy stems from a viral video showing Ibom Air officials manhandling Emanson after she allegedly attacked a flight attendant and clashed with airport staff during a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
Her alleged assault led to an arraignment before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and temporary remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre before she was released. Her freedom followed the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who directed the airline to withdraw its complaint.
The NCAA reiterated its commitment to professionalism and safety in Nigeria’s aviation sector, assuring the public that the investigation will be thorough and impartial.
