The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned airline passengers to strictly follow crew instructions after an incident involving an Ibom Air passenger who assaulted an air hostess during a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.
A video circulating on social media shows the passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson and dressed in a white top and black trousers, angrily confronting airport officials before slapping a crew member.
Police officers later intervened to restore order at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
This comes shortly after the NCAA imposed a six-month flying ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, over misconduct at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
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Speaking in a post on X (formerly Twitter), NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, explained that the altercation began when the passenger refused to comply with safety instructions from the cabin crew.
“When cabin crew ask you to turn off your phone before takeoff/landing, simply comply,” Achimugu advised, stressing the importance of passenger cooperation for the safety of all on board.
Expressing concern about such confrontations, he added, “I can’t understand why simple routine issues would lead to incidents like this.”
While acknowledging that travellers have rights, Achimugu pointed out that they also have responsibilities to ensure smooth boarding and flight operations.
“Passengers need to understand that they have responsibilities, not just rights,” he warned, noting that more details on the case would be made public as investigations continue.
