The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has opened a formal investigation into the altercation involving passenger Comfort Emanson and members of the Ibom Air crew.
As part of the probe, NCAA officials on Wednesday held a meeting in Abuja with Julie Edwards, identified as a key figure in the case, and other crew members linked to the incident.
The development was made public by the NCAA’s spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, in a post on his X account on Thursday.
“Yesterday in Abuja, the NCAA team met with Julie Edwards and other members of the crew involved in the Comfort Emanson incident as part of investigations into that event,” Achimugu stated.
He explained that the Authority’s directorates of Aviation Security, Operations, Licensing, Training Standards, Legal, and Consumer Protection are jointly working to ensure “a proper conclusion to this investigation.”
Emanson, who has been at the centre of the controversy, was also expected to appear before the Authority on Thursday in company with her lawyer.
The dispute arose after a viral video showed airline officials forcefully handling Emanson during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, following claims that she attacked a flight attendant and engaged airport staff in a scuffle.
She was subsequently charged before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre before being freed. Her release came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed Ibom Air to withdraw its complaint.
The NCAA assured that it remains committed to professionalism and safety in the aviation sector, promising a thorough and impartial investigation.
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