Mike Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has clarified the agency’s role in two recent high-profile passenger incidents, emphasizing that the NCAA intervenes only when necessary and within its regulatory mandate.
Speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Achimugu explained that in the case involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, the airline did not press charges against the passenger.
“The airline in the singer’s case did not activate its right to pursue legal action. As a result, the NCAA petitioned the relevant authorities to prosecute the passenger and issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) recommending that the passenger be banned,” Achimugu said.
In contrast, regarding the Ibom Air incident—where a passenger assaulted a staff member—the airline promptly exercised its right to take legal action.
“Since their staff was assaulted, the airline immediately pursued the matter in court. Consequently, the NCAA is not involved in the Ibom Air passenger case,” he added.
The passenger involved, Emmanson Comfort, was charged to court and remanded on the same day the incident occurred.
Achimugu noted that both cases underscore the pressures the aviation system is currently facing, stating, “There’s enough blame to go around—FAAN, AVSEC, cabin crew, and passengers alike.”
He stressed that unruly behavior is unacceptable globally, regardless of provocation, and emphasized that aviation regulations are designed not out of sentiment but to ensure the safety of every passenger.
“Passengers must always comply with cabin crew instructions while on board,” he added.
Regarding the Ibom Air incident, Achimugu revealed that other passengers on the flight intervened by seizing and turning off the unruly passenger’s phone during the confrontation.
Earlier, the Airline Operators of Nigeria had imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Comfort Emmanson across all member airlines, effective immediately. This ban applies to both domestic and international flights.
In a statement issued Monday, AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo affirmed that similar future misconduct by any passenger would attract comparable sanctions.
A similar ban had been placed on Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate by the NCAA for six months following his unruly behavior at Abuja airport last Tuesday.
