NCAA Summons Ibom Air Crew and Passenger

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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is actively addressing the unruly behaviour case involving Ibom Air crew and passenger Comfort Emmanson.

On August 20, 2025, NCAA officials met with Ibom Air management and crew members at the Authority’s headquarters in Abuja. Ban on Flight mode on mobile devices

The meeting, chaired by Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, granted fair hearing to air hostess Juliana Edwards, who was allegedly assaulted during the Uyo–Lagos flight. The Regulator

The next day, August 21, 2025, NCAA convened another session at its Lagos Regional Office. Passenger Emanson, accompanied by her lawyer, presented her account before a panel chaired by Captain Donald Spiff, Director of Operations, Licensing and Training.

The Consumer Protection Office and Legal Department were also represented.

Although Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has mediated and brokered peace between the parties, NCAA stated that the Authority will still review all submissions thoroughly.

According to officials, this regulatory step is necessary to strengthen the system, close any gaps, and implement safeguards against similar incidents.

An NCAA spokesperson stressed that due process will guide the review.

“The Authority’s role is not only to resolve conflicts but to ensure passenger rights and crew welfare remain fully protected. This case offers an opportunity to improve safeguards in our aviation system,” the official explained.

The NCAA is collaborating with its directorates of aviation security, operations, legal, and consumer protection to ensure an impartial and comprehensive review of the event.

 While the airline initially took legal action, the charges against the passenger were later withdrawn after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, mediated the issue.

Despite this, the NCAA has stated that its regulatory process will continue to run its full course to identify and address any systemic gaps.

As a result of this and other recent incidents of unruly behavior, the NCAA has issued a new directive: all mobile phones and other electronic devices must be completely switched off during takeoff and landing on all Nigerian airlines.

The “flight mode” option is no longer permitted. The Civil Aviation Authority is also emphasizing the need for airlines to provide adequate training for their staff on conflict resolution.

The NCAA and other aviation stakeholders are using this incident to re-emphasize the importance of discipline, professionalism, and strict adherence to safety protocols for both passengers and airline personnel.

They stress that unruly behavior will not be tolerated and that all individuals involved in aviation, passengers and crew alike, have a shared responsibility for safety.

NCAA confirmed that further recommendations or preventive measures may follow once the review is complete.