NCAA Confirms Eyewitness Testimony In Ibom Air Passenger Dispute As FG Withdraws Complaint

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it has received a verified, first-hand account from an eyewitness in the ongoing case involving Comfort Emmanson, the female passenger accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, an incident that has sparked intense public debate.

The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed on Wednesday, August 13, that the witness—who was seated directly beside Emmanson on the August 10 Uyo–Lagos flight—had come forward, submitted his boarding pass for verification, and shared details shedding fresh light on what transpired before departure.

Achimugu explained that some aspects of the testimony offered new perspectives on the conduct of other parties involved and how passengers were handled prior to take-off. He noted that while the witness plans to release a personal statement later in the day, the NCAA has already issued a Letter of Investigation to Ibom Air and will summon both the airline and other eyewitnesses to a meeting.

According to him, the agency remains committed to getting to the root of the incident and ensuring accountability for all parties found culpable. “One is glad that a truly verifiable witness has come forward, and his statement makes me glad not to have listened to most of the fake audios and claims flying around social media. There is a lot to unbundle, and we will get to the root of it,” Achimugu stated.

The NCAA spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Authority to protect the rights of all aviation stakeholders. He added that every piece of information gathered would be used to identify gaps in the system and fix them, noting that mediation remains a valid form of conflict resolution.

This development comes as the Federal Government announced the withdrawal of its criminal complaint against Emmanson and a reduction in the indefinite no-flight ban placed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, to a one-month suspension.

Keyamo said the decisions followed consultations with key industry stakeholders and consideration of appeals from well-meaning Nigerians, alongside the remorse shown by those involved. Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, paving the way for her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.

In addition, the NCAA will restore the licences of pilots implicated in the KWAM 1 case after they serve their one-month suspension and undergo a mandatory professional reappraisal. KWAM 1 will also be made an ambassador for airport security protocol as part of efforts to promote better conduct in the aviation sector.