By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has launched a formal investigation into the heated altercation between Comfort Emanson, a passenger, and members of Ibom Air’s cabin crew.
The regulatory body disclosed on Thursday that its officials met in Abuja with crew member Julie Edwards—allegedly at the centre of the incident—as well as other staff directly involved. The session formed part of a wider inquiry into the controversial encounter, which sparked public outcry after a viral video showed Emanson being manhandled by airline officials.
According to NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, who confirmed the development in a post on his X account, the investigation is being handled by a multi-departmental team drawn from Aviation Security, Operations, Licensing, Training Standards, Legal, and Consumer Protection.
“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 wrote. He added that Emanson herself was scheduled to face questioning on Thursday, accompanied by her legal counsel.
The incident dates back to an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, during which Emanson allegedly attacked a flight attendant and clashed with airport officials. She was subsequently arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre before regaining freedom after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, ordered the withdrawal of the airline’s complaint.
While the case remains contentious, the NCAA has assured Nigerians that its investigation will be thorough, impartial, and aimed at reinforcing professionalism and safety standards within the aviation sector.
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