A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), David Ogebe, has given a firsthand account of events aboard the Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025, which later led to the viral confrontation between the airline crew and passenger Comfort Emmanson.
Ogebe, who sat just two feet away from Emmanson during the flight, stated in a written statement that contrary to circulating reports, the passenger never refused to switch off her phone before take-off.
According to him, the confrontation stemmed from what he described as “unjustified humiliation and provocation” by one of the two air hostesses onboard, referred to in his account as “Hostess 2.”
“Hostess 2 approached Miss Emmanson with a raised voice, insisting she switch off her phone. The passenger explained quietly that her phone’s power buttons were not functioning and asked for help, but the hostess refused and made condescending remarks,” Ogebe narrated.
He added that another passenger eventually helped Emmanson power down the device, but not before Hostess 2 allegedly threatened her, saying, “You will see,” before walking off to the cockpit.
Throughout the flight, Ogebe observed that Hostess 2 kept glancing toward their row, while “Hostess 1,” who had earlier given the emergency exit briefing, remained professional and helpful.
Ogebe said the situation escalated upon landing, although he had already disembarked before the physical altercation captured in viral videos began.
He concluded his account by stating five key points:
- Emmanson never refused to switch off her phone for take-off.
- Hostess 2’s conduct inflamed a minor issue.
- Hostess 1 handled her duties exceptionally well.
- Ibom Air should improve staff training on empathy and sensitivity.
- While provoked, Emmanson’s later actions were unacceptable and should not be encouraged.
Ogebe emphasised that he had never met either Emmanson or the Ibom Air crew before the incident and spoke out purely “out of a moral duty” to tell the truth.
The SAN’s testimony is the first detailed eyewitness account corroborating parts of Emmanson’s version of events, while also acknowledging her conduct after the initial provocation was inappropriate.
