NCAA Explains Why Ibom Air’s Ban on Emmanson Differs from KWAM 1 Case

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified that the incident involving Comfort Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted Ibom Air crew members, is different from the case of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Mike Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, explained this during an X Space session on Monday. He noted that the regulatory body did not instruct the airline to prosecute or ban Emmanson; rather, Ibom Air acted independently based on the evidence available.

He said, “The airline exercised its rights based on the evidence they had. While investigations are ongoing, airlines can act on existing information. When a passenger assaults a cabin crew member and resists restraint, the airline has every right to announce a ban.”

Achimugu added that the ban could be reviewed or lifted after due process but emphasized the need to protect airline staff, who deserve the same respect as passengers.

He also pointed out that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) acted within its rights, citing a past incident involving unruly passengers on a flight between London and Nigeria where a lack of evidence prevented regulatory action.

“Air Peace still feels aggrieved because no advisory was issued to blacklist those passengers, but the NCAA never received evidence, making it a ‘he said, she said’ situation,” Achimugu explained. “To be clear, the NCAA did not issue any advisory to AON; the airline is fully within its rights to ban or blacklist passengers.”

Achimugu further stated that while Ibom Air promptly charged Emmanson to court, ValueJet chose not to press charges in the KWAM 1 case, prompting NCAA to petition the authorities.

He added that airlines have the right to prosecute, but matters can still be resolved amicably.

“Cabin crew are responsible for passengers’ comfort, safety, and security. Restraining a passenger who has assaulted you, even without physical force, is within their rights. There are different ways to restrain unruly passengers, and standard practices continue to evolve,” he concluded.