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

Published

9 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

PHOTOS: Newborn twins found abandoned in Benue bush

Published

1 hour ago

April 27, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A set of newborn twins were found abandoned by in a bush in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

The babies, a boy and girl, were rescued on Saturday, April 25, 2026, by the LGA Task Force during a routine sanitation duty in Vandeikya Township.

The unidentified mother dumped the babies at a bushy slope in Vandeikya, located in Mbaaji, Ningev Council Ward, a place known in the Tiv dialect as “Wangbeen Jor.”

Chief Daniel Orhembega, Chairman of the Task Force, who confirmed the development explained that his men picked up the babies while on their way to dispose of refuse.

He said one of the task force agents heard a baby crying.

When they moved toward the direction of the sound, they saw the newborn twins wrapped in freshly plucked leaves along with the placenta and a gown believed to belong to the runaway mother.

At the time, one baby was crying while the other was deeply asleep.

The twins were immediately picked and handed over to nearby medical personnel, as they required urgent medical attention.

The babies are now under the care of the Vandeikya Local Government Welfare Department.

The Local Government Chairman appealed to the general public around the area to assist in finding the mother by providing any useful information that can lead to disclosure of her identity.

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News

Assassination Attempt: Why People Want Me Dead – Trump

Published

16 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

United States President, Donald Trump, has shared his thoughts on why he has faced repeated assassination threats.

It was reports that he spoke while reacting to a shooting incident that disrupted a media event in Washington.

The incident happened on April 25, 2026, during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner held at the Washington Hilton. A gunman caused panic at the gathering, forcing security to act quickly and bringing the event to an abrupt halt.

Speaking after the situation was brought under control, Trump said he believes people who make great changes often become targets.

He linked the attack to his time in office, saying his actions and decisions have affected the country in ways that not everyone supports. He also compared such situations to past events involving well-known leaders who were attacked because of their influence.

The president referred to his past experience, including surviving an earlier assassination attempt at a campaign rally in 2024. He said, despite the risks attached to his position, he continues to live his life without fear and does not see himself as someone shaken by such threats.

He said, “I’ve studied assassinations. I must tell you the most impactful people, the people that do the most… they’re the ones that they go after. I hate to say I’m honoured by that, but I’ve done a lot. We’ve changed this country, and there are a lot of people that are not happy about that. I lead a pretty normal life, considering, you know, it’s a dangerous life. To be honest, I’m not a basket case. A tremendous amount of love and coming together. I was ready to give the most inappropriate speech ever made.”

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I Won’t Forget What IGP Disu Did To Me When I Was Under House Arrest – Obasanjo

Published

17 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for the role he played during the period he was placed under house arrest in 1995.

It was reports that the former Nigerian leader made this known in an interview with News Central, where he spoke about the difficult time he faced while being held under restriction during the military era. The development dates back to 1995 when Obasanjo was detained under the regime of Sani Abacha.

Obasanjo explained that during that period, a number of individuals stood by him and helped ensure his safety despite the tense situation. Among those he mentioned was the current police boss, whom he credited as one of the people who played a part in keeping him alive while he was under house arrest.

He said the experience remained one of the toughest moments in his life and added that he has not forgotten those who showed him care and support at the time. According to him, it was necessary to openly appreciate such efforts, as people who stand by others in difficult times should be remembered.

He said, “Current IGP, I have to in a special way acknowledge you because maybe the reason I am alive today is because you are one of those who kept me alive when I was under house arrest.”

Beyond his appreciation, the former president also spoke on the country’s security situation. He called for the creation of state police, saying it could help address the rising security concerns across Nigeria.

Obasanjo explained that policing at the state level would allow officers to better understand their local environment and respond more quickly to threats. He added that such a system would help tackle crimes early before they grow into wider problems.

He maintained that Nigeria needs practical steps to deal with insecurity and insisted that state police remains one of the options that could strengthen law enforcement across the country.

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