The last has not been heard from the Ibom Air clash between their air histess and a passenger, Miss Comfort Emmanson, enroute Uyo to Lagos Airport.
David Ogebe, SAN, a passenger who witnessed the altercation between Comfort Emmanson and an Ibom Air flight attendant, has come forward to share his account of what happened on the flight from Uyo to Lagos.
According to Ogebe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the air hostess approached Emmanson with a confrontational attitude, telling her to switch off her phone in a harsh tone.
Ogebe also said that the trouble began when the first air hostess politely asked Emmanson to switch off her phone, but things took a turn when a second air hostess approached with a different demeanor.
He said that the second hostess reportedly spoke to Emmanson in a high and annoying tone, saying “Please, I don’t have time for your nonsense. Better switch off that phone immediately,. This was after Emmanson explained that her phone’s buttons weren’t working.
Ogebe, who sat directly beside Emmanson, described the situation as “unjustified humiliation and provocation” by the air hostess.
He further said that Emmanson never refused to switch off her phone but was having trouble doing so due to the faulty buttons.
Ogebe and another passenger intervened, asking a nearby passenger to help Emmanson switch off her phone.
The situation escalated when the second air hostess allegedly warned Emmanson, “If you say another word, I will deal with you,” prompting Emmanson to react angrily and curse.
Ogebe condemned Emmanson’s violent behaviour but emphasised that the air hostess’s actions were unprofessional and humiliating.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many criticising the air hostess’s behavior.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also weighed in, with its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, saying hat all eyewitnesses confirm the hostess was rude to Emmanson.
Achimugu emphasised the need for aviation staff to adhere to professional standards and protocols.
The air hostess’s behaviour was widely criticised as unprofessional and humiliating.
Emmanson’s reaction, while understandable given the circumstances, was also deemed unacceptable by many.
-The NCAA is reviewing the incident to ensure that professional standards and protocols were upheld in future operations.
