Explosive Reveal: NCAA Explains Why Kwam 1 And Comfort Emmanson’s Cases Are Worlds Apart

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that it did not charge or impose a ban on Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of assaulting Ibom Air crew members during a flight from Uyo to Lagos.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During an Space session on Monday, Mike Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained that the authority does not control airline prosecutions, emphasizing that it is ultimately the courts that decide such matters.

Achimugu highlighted that the handling of the Ibom Air incident differed from that involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, because the NCAA had the chance to investigate KWAM 1’s case before advising the airline.

On August 5, KWAM 1 was confronted by a flight attendant on a ValueJet flight who suspected that his flask contained alcohol, which is banned on Nigerian flights. He refused to hand over the flask, insisting it contained prescribed medication. After allegedly trying to prevent the plane’s departure, the crew deboarded him. On August 7, the NCAA imposed a six-month no-fly ban on him, later extended indefinitely pending investigation.

In contrast, Achimugu stated that Ibom Air acted based on evidence already in their possession regarding Emmanson’s case. He said, “The airline exercised its rights based on the available evidence. Even as investigations continue, they can act on the facts at hand.”

He continued, “When you see a passenger assaulting cabin crew and resisting restraint as this lady did, it’s understandable that the airline would impose a ban. Of course, this ban might be shortened or lifted later, but at present, they believe it’s justified. Airline staff are human beings too — fellow Nigerians who deserve respect and protection. No one should be attacked the way it happened on that flight.”

Achimugu noted that the ban was based on video evidence available to the airline, stressing that AON (Ibom Air) has the right to blacklist passengers to protect its staff, who have endured similar incidents in the past.

He recalled a separate airport incident involving intoxicated passengers on a flight between London and Nigeria that nearly caused a crash, lamenting that no blacklist was issued then due to lack of evidence presented to the NCAA.

He emphasized, “The NCAA did not issue any advisory to Ibom Air. The airline is within its rights to ban or blacklist any passenger. This should be clear.”

Regarding the possibility of a settlement, Achimugu mentioned that Ibom Air could still reach an out-of-court agreement with Emmanson, which might result in the case being dropped.

On cabin crew duties, he explained they are responsible not only for passenger comfort but also for safety and security on the aircraft. He stated, “Restraining someone who has assaulted you is part of their duty. The crew member tried to restrain the passenger without physical contact, which is within her rights. There are different ways to handle unruly passengers, and standard practices can evolve.”

Achimugu concluded by noting that Ibom Air promptly took legal action against Emmanson, while ValueJet did not press charges against KWAM 1, which led the NCAA to petition relevant authorities in KWAM 1’s case.