The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the removal and prosecution of Comfort Emmason, an Ibom Air passenger involved in a disruptive incident at Lagos airport.
Speaking to BusinessNG, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said preliminary findings showed that Emmason refused to switch off her mobile phone before departure, prompting complaints from fellow passengers.
According to Achimugu, a passenger seated next to her eventually took the phone and switched it off, but Emmason allegedly continued to act aggressively during the flight, making obscene gestures toward passengers and cabin crew.
“When the aircraft landed, everyone disembarked except her. While preparations were underway for the next flight, she approached a flight attendant and began to slap her,” he explained.
Security was called, but Emmason reportedly tried to exit the aircraft before their arrival, leading to a physical confrontation. “Removing her from a small-body aircraft was never going to be tidy. She was struggling, hitting people, and had to be taken out by whatever means necessary to allow the next boarding,” Achimugu added.
He noted that unruly passenger behaviour is a global challenge and that the NCAA has limited powers to prevent such incidents, but offenders will face legal consequences in line with aviation regulations.
