The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has called for an independent investigation into the recent treatment of passenger Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air and aviation regulators.
In a statement on Monday, NEFGAD’s Head of Office, Omoniyi Akingunola, described Emmanson’s treatment as “unfair, unjust, and unacceptable,” adding that the group was ready to provide her with free legal representation.
The controversy stems from a viral video showing Emmanson engaging in a heated altercation with flight attendants and airport security after an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The airline claimed the trouble started before take-off when she allegedly refused to switch off her phone in line with safety rules, accusing her of endangering passengers, crew, and aircraft safety.
Following the incident, Ibom Air placed a travel restriction on Emmanson, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria imposed a lifetime ban on her.
However, NEFGAD criticised the decision, accusing the operators of acting without proper hearing or investigation.
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The group also faulted the police for taking the matter to court without adequate fact-finding, stressing that the available footage of the altercation only captured events outside the aircraft.
According to Akingunola, the airline must release the in-flight video to determine whether Emmanson’s actions were provoked.
He argued that cabin crew are not law enforcement officers and should not engage in actions that could escalate tensions or lead to physical confrontation.
“It is wrong to judge this matter solely by a partial video,” Akingunola said. “Something appears to have happened onboard that triggered the passenger’s reaction. This may have been a calculated provocation.”
The development has sparked public debate over airline passenger rights, crew conduct, and how such incidents should be handled by aviation authorities.