Speaking on X Space on Monday, NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu explained that prosecution decisions rest with airlines and the courts.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said it neither charged nor banned Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of assaulting Ibom Air crew on a Uyo–Lagos flight.
Speaking on X Space on Monday, NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu explained that prosecution decisions rest with airlines and the courts. He said the Ibom Air case differed from that of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), whose ValueJet incident prompted an NCAA no-fly directive.
Achimugu stressed that in Emmanson’s case, the airline acted independently, supported by video evidence, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) imposed a lifetime travel ban. He noted airlines have the right to blacklist unruly passengers.
A magistrate court in Ogba has ordered Emmanson’s remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6. Achimugu added that parties may still settle out of court.
Ibom Air described the incident as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year.”