New Eyewitness Account Emerges in Ibom Air–Comfort Emmanson Incident

By Babatunji Wusu

• Passenger seated next to Emmanson offers alternative version of events.
• NCAA issues Letter of Investigation to Ibom Air and summons parties.
• Public outcry continues over alleged assault and humiliation.

A fresh twist has emerged in the case of Comfort Emmanson, the passenger allegedly assaulted and humiliated by Ibom Air officials over a dispute about turning off her phone before takeoff.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), revealed that a passenger who sat directly next to Emmanson has come forward with his account. The witness, who provided his boarding pass to verify his presence on the flight, reportedly has a different version of events leading up to the confrontation.

According to Achimugu, the NCAA has issued a Letter of Investigation to Ibom Air and will invite both the airline and eyewitnesses to a meeting to clarify the matter. He said the new testimony could offer fresh perspectives, especially regarding the behaviour of other actors and the handling of passengers before departure.

Achimugu assured that all culpable parties — including airline staff and security personnel — will be held accountable. “There is a lot to unbundle, and we will get to the root of it,” he said.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for Ibom Air to apologise and compensate Emmanson. The Grand Council of Ikpaisong Ibibio has also condemned her treatment, demanding justice and respect for human dignity.

As investigations continue, the NCAA has hinted that the findings could lead to changes in how airlines manage passenger disputes, with an emphasis on protecting human dignity and rights.