The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially appealed to passengers who were aboard Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos last Sunday to provide firsthand accounts of the in-flight altercation that has become the subject of national discussion.
The flight, which has since been thrust into the spotlight due to a viral video showing a passenger in a state of indecent exposure during a heated dispute, is now the focus of a formal investigation by aviation regulators. The NCAA says it is determined to piece together a clear and accurate timeline of events leading up to the incident, with the ultimate goal of holding all responsible parties to account and strengthening protocols for passenger safety and privacy.
In a public statement, the authority urged witnesses to come forward with any information, whether through written statements, videos, or photographs taken during the flight. Passengers have been instructed to send their accounts directly to the NCAA via direct message (DM) on its official communication channels or by emailing Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, at michael.achimugu@ncaa.gov.ng.
“The integrity of our aviation sector relies heavily on accurate reporting and thorough investigation of incidents,” the statement read. “We are calling on all passengers present on that flight to assist us in uncovering the truth. Firsthand information from those on board will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent process.”
The NCAA’s investigation follows mounting public concern over both the altercation itself and the unauthorized release of the viral video. Ibom Air has already denied responsibility for leaking the footage and has pledged full cooperation with authorities to identify the individual behind its circulation. The airline has also reiterated its commitment to passenger dignity and privacy, while condemning the unethical dissemination of sensitive material.
Aviation experts note that the NCAA’s direct call for eyewitness accounts is a critical step in preventing misinformation, as public narratives about the incident have varied widely. By obtaining statements from multiple passengers, the authority hopes to verify the exact sequence of events, assess crew response, and determine whether airline protocols were followed correctly.
Public reaction to the NCAA’s move has been mixed. While many applaud the regulator for seeking transparency, others have raised concerns about whether passengers may face retaliation or social media backlash for coming forward. Legal professionals, however, assure that information shared with the NCAA will be treated with confidentiality and used strictly for investigative purposes.
The regulator has also hinted that the outcome of the investigation could lead to sanctions, policy updates, and even stronger regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the probe continues, the NCAA has stressed that the cooperation of passengers is vital. “We are not looking to apportion blame prematurely,” the statement concluded. “Our focus is on fact-finding, ensuring justice for all parties involved, and safeguarding the reputation of Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
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