Probe Initiated by NCAA as Witnesses Surface Regarding Ibom Airline Incident
In a recent development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has invited all parties involved in the incident between Comfort Emmanson and an Ibom Air crew member for further discussions and investigations. This follows a first-hand account from an eyewitness who sat next to Emmanson on the flight.
According to the NCAA, the incident began shortly before take-off from Uyo. Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone in line with standard aviation safety procedures. However, she initially refused to comply. The Pilot-in-Command then made an announcement to enforce this instruction. In an attempt to maintain order, the fellow passenger seated beside Emmanson took her phone and switched it off on her behalf. This action provoked a verbal attack from Emmanson, but the situation eventually calmed down, allowing the flight to depart as scheduled.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the incident escalated further as Emmanson reportedly attacked cabin crew members and was forcibly removed from the aircraft. Ibom Air stated that Emmanson's conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of the crew, passengers, and aircraft.
The eyewitness's account offers new light on the events before the plane's departure, providing details about the behavior of other actors involved and the manner of passenger handling. The NCAA has invited the eyewitness to a meeting regarding the incident, and has stated that all data gathered will assist in identifying gaps and fixing them.
In a move towards conflict resolution, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, has withdrawn the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson. Ibom Air has also agreed to withdraw its complaint against her. The NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of all aviation stakeholders, including consumers, and stated that mediation is an acceptable form of conflict resolution.
It is important to note that the report does not contain any new information about Comfort Emmanson's state in prison or the Senate's probe of the incident. The NCAA did not provide a statement at the time of the report.
The eyewitness, who contacted NCAA's Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, was seated directly next to Ms. Emmanson during the flight. The detailed account of the incident provided by the eyewitness is crucial in understanding the immediate trigger of the conflict—Emmanson's refusal to switch off her phone and the intervention by the passenger seated beside her.
As the investigation continues, the NCAA will strive to ensure the safety and comfort of all aviation passengers while maintaining a fair and impartial approach to conflict resolution.
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