The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has urged passengers on Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos to share their accounts of the incident that sparked a brawl onboard.

The appeal follows the circulation of videos on August 10 showing a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, assaulting flight attendants and clashing with airport security personnel.

The airline stated that the disturbance began shortly before take-off from Uyo when the passenger refused to follow standard safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone.

According to the airline, another passenger seated next to her turned off the device, triggering a verbal outburst from Emmanson.

The incident, coming just days after a similar air rage case involving Fuji musician Wasiu Atinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, has stirred widespread reactions nationwide and prompted the intervention of the NCAA.

In a post on X on Tuesday, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, Michael Achimugu,
urged witnesses to reach out to him directly via DM or email at [email protected]

He said the regulator is seeking “other perspectives” on the incident to guarantee fairness and accountability.

“Once verified that you were actually a passenger on that flight, we can discuss and try to understand other perspectives to this issue.

“In the interest of justice and fairness, it is necessary to hear both sides of the story.

“Of course, this does not negate the exhibition of unruly behaviour and its ramifications, but it will ensure that every other person who was culpable down the line is held accountable,” Achimugu said.

The NCAA spokesperson said officials would be sent to Lagos on a fact-finding mission, working with police and other security agencies involved in the case.

Achimugu added that the incident presents an opportunity for all stakeholders, passengers, airline staff, and aviation security, to draw lessons andstrengthen response protocols.

“It is a test for the system. No matter how fine regulations are, human behaviour will always be unpredictable. When these events occur, we are able to see the gaps and pluck loopholes,” he said.

Achimugu said “in aviation, it is safety first, safety second, and safety third”.

The airline has since imposed a travel restriction on her, adding that she will no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.