The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, has shed light on the recent airport incident involving an Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmason. In this interview with News Bulletin Nigeria, Achimugu outlines the events that led to Emmason’s removal from the aircraft, the challenges in curbing unruly passenger behaviour, and the NCAA’s stance on such cases.
Q: What did your preliminary investigation reveal about Comfort Emmason’s case?
Unruly passenger behaviour happens globally, and there are standard operating procedures for handling it. In this case, the passenger refused to switch off her phone before departure. Another passenger beside her eventually took the phone and switched it off.
Reports indicate she was unruly throughout the flight — making offensive gestures to passengers and cabin crew. Upon arrival in Lagos, while others disembarked, she remained seated. Later, she approached an air hostess and began slapping her.
Security was called. She tried to leave the aircraft, but the hostess blocked her path. A struggle ensued — she was hitting people, grabbing, and even attempted to use the aircraft’s fire extinguisher to attack a crew member. Removing her from the small aircraft was never going to be tidy.
Q: Some have criticised that her clothes were torn during the removal. Was this justified?
Her top was torn because she resisted removal. Had she complied peacefully, it would not have happened. She was physically fighting even after being escorted onto the bus. In such situations, security must act swiftly to prevent harm — especially when someone reaches for equipment like a fire extinguisher.
Q: Critics say she was treated more harshly than Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, K1 De Ultimate, in his own flight incident. Why the difference?
The NCAA does not prosecute passengers — we only enforce aviation regulations. Emmason was arrested and charged in court; Kwam 1 was not. Nigerians must understand that once a matter is before the court, the NCAA cannot intervene. Our only concern is maintaining zero tolerance for unruly passenger behaviour.
Q: What steps is the NCAA taking to curb such incidents?
We continue to sensitise passengers, but human behaviour is unpredictable. That’s why deterrents exist — fines, imprisonment, and the no-fly list. While we aim to be proactive, enforcement is often reactive; we cannot sanction someone before they misbehave.
Q: Your advice to Nigerian air travellers?
Aviation laws are for passengers’ safety. Follow crew instructions — including switching off your phone when asked. It is not about personal opinion or comparison with other countries’ procedures. Compliance keeps everyone safe.
