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Witness who sat beside Ibom Air passenger to testify in NCAA probe

Published

8 months ago

August 13, 2025

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority says a verified eyewitness has come forward to give a first-hand account of the altercation between female passenger Comfort Emmanson and an Ibom Air crew member, which sparked nationwide debate and a wave of reactions on social media.

The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this on Wednesday in a post on X.com following his earlier post on Tuesday where he publicly appealed for other passengers aboard the August 10 Ibom Air Uyo–Lagos flight to come forward with verifiable accounts “in the interest of justice and fairness.”

Achimugu said the witness, who sat directly beside Emmanson during the flight, had contacted him, provided a boarding pass for verification, and offered testimony shedding new light on the events before the plane’s departure.

His post read, “The passenger seated right next to the lady in the viral videos has contacted me (also sent in his boarding pass) and given his account of the events that transpired on the aircraft before departure.

“Some aspects of his testimony offer an opportunity to look at other perspectives of this case, especially the behaviour of other actors involved and the manner of passenger handling before the flight took off.”

He added that although the witness would release a personal statement later in the day, the NCAA had issued a Letter of Investigation to Ibom Air and would invite the airline and other eyewitnesses to a meeting.

Achimugu wrote, “Although he says he will release a statement later today, the Authority has issued an LOI to Ibom Air and will invite both airline and eye witnesses to a meeting.

“One is glad that a truly verifiable witness has come forward, and his statement makes me glad not to have listened to most of the fake audios and claims flying around social media.

“There is a lot to unbundle, and we will get to the root of it. Rest assured that every culpable party in this case will be held accountable.”

The spokesperson also reaffirmed the commitment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the NCAA to protecting the rights of all aviation stakeholders.

“Every data gathered from conversations and investigations is to assist in identifying the gaps and fixing them. Mediation is an acceptable form of conflict resolution, and the Minister has shown leadership as usual. The Authority will continue to protect the rights of all aviation consumers,:” he concluded.

The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Keyamo announced the decisions on Wednesday stating that the resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and considering the remorse shown by those involved.

He also revealed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident.

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News

Autopsy reveals what led to singer Destiny Boy’s death

Published

15 minutes ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The cause of death of Nigerian singer Afeez Adesina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has been revealed months after his passing.

According to P.M News, the 22-year-old artiste, who died on January 17, 2026, had sparked speculation at the time, especially after videos from the scene circulated online.

While his family initially stated that he had been dealing with a long-term health condition that caused seizures, new findings have provided more clarity.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, an autopsy carried out by the State Criminal Investigation Department showed harmful levels of tramadol and methamphetamine in his system.

The report concluded that the cause of death was aspiration pneumonitis resulting from the ingestion of these substances.

Police spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, also confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, with investigations still ongoing.

Destiny Boy rose to fame in 2019 after his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s song If gained attention online.

He is survived by his partner, Iremide, and their child, whom they welcomed in November 2024.

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Cuba releases more than 2,000 prisoners amid US pressure

Published

1 hour ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Cuban government on Saturday morning, April 3, announced plans to release 2,010 prisoners in what it described as a “humanitarian gesture,” as pressure from the United States continues to mount.

The announcement was shared by the Cuban Embassy in the US on social media, with officials linking the move to the observance of Holy Week rather than directly referencing tensions with Washington.

According to the government, those set to be released include foreign nationals, Cuban citizens living abroad, young people, women and older adults. Authorities said the decision was based on factors such as good conduct, time already served, the nature of the offenses and the health condition of the inmates.

No timeline was provided for when the prisoners will be released, and officials did not disclose the specific crimes committed by those affected. It also remains unclear whether individuals convicted during protests are among those included.

While Cuban authorities deny holding political prisoners, rights group Prisoners Defended has reported that more than 1,200 people are detained on political grounds.

The move comes as the administration of Donald Trump intensifies economic pressure on the island, including an effective oil blockade that has contributed to fuel shortages and economic strain.

Washington has pushed for political and economic reforms in Cuba, although details of those demands have not been made fully public. The US has also signaled that sanctions relief would depend on significant changes by the Cuban government.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Cuba would need to undergo major reforms to qualify for any easing of sanctions, stressing that the country’s economic challenges are tied to its political system.

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PHOTOS: Man hospitalised after sustaining injuries from beatings while portraying Jesus Christ during Good Friday procession

Published

1 hour ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A second-year law student at Kampala International University, Dennis Zziwa, sustained injuries while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya, Uganda.

Dennis sustained injuries from the beatings he received during the intense scenes of the reenactment.

He received immediate first aid from Red Cross responders.

He was later taken to Lamone Health Center in Luzira for further medical attention.