The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a formal clarification regarding two recent high-profile incidents involving passenger misconduct aboard domestic flights, emphasizing that the case involving Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson is fundamentally different from the ValueJet incident involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Speaking during a public engagement session on X Spaces, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, stated that Ibom Air acted independently in pursuing legal action against Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted cabin crew members during a flight from Uyo to Lagos. In contrast, ValueJet did not press charges against KWAM 1, prompting the NCAA to escalate the matter to the Attorney General and Inspector General of Police for further investigation.
“Ibom Air exercised its rights to act based on available evidence. The airline had every legal right to announce a ban and pursue prosecution,” Achimugu explained. “In contrast, ValueJet did not initiate legal proceedings, which is why the NCAA had to intervene through regulatory channels.”
Ibom Air charged Emmanson to court immediately following the incident. She has since been remanded in custody. ValueJet did not take similar steps against KWAM 1.
Emmanson was captured on video physically assaulting crew members and attempting to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon. KWAM 1’s case involved refusal to surrender a flask suspected of containing alcohol and obstructing flight operations.
NCAA emphasized it does not dictate airline prosecutions. Airlines retain the autonomy to act based on their internal assessments and available evidence.
Achimugu also stressed the importance of protecting airline staff, noting, “Cabin crew are not just there for comfort—they are responsible for safety and security. No one deserves to be hit or assaulted in the manner that occurred on that flight.”