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

Published

1 year 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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Post Views: 632

News

Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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News

VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Post Views: 37

News

Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

Published

9 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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Post Views: 32