Eyewitness Claims Passenger in Ibom Air Viral Incident Was Humiliated Before Outburst
The ongoing controversy surrounding an altercation between passenger Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Air crew has taken a new twist, as an eyewitness has come forward with what he says is the full story.
David Ogebe, who was seated just a few feet from Ms. Emmanson during the now-viral August 10 flight from Uyo to Lagos, insists she never refused to switch off her phone before take-off. Instead, he alleges that an air hostess’s condescending remark triggered the situation.
According to Ogebe, the trouble began when Ms. Emmanson explained that the buttons on her phone were faulty, making it difficult to turn off. She reportedly asked the hostess for assistance, but instead of helping, the crew member told her, “Please I don’t have time for your nonsense. Better switch off that phone immediately.”
Ogebe said he and another passenger were “flabbergasted” by the statement and intervened by asking a nearby passenger to help Ms. Emmanson power down the phone. He further claims that when Ms. Emmanson questioned the need for such public humiliation, the hostess allegedly vowed to “deal with her.”
While Ogebe condemned the violence seen in viral videos, he stressed that the outburst came after “grave unwarranted humiliation and provocation.” He also praised another crew member—whom he called “hostess 1”—for her professionalism and kindness throughout the flight, adding that if she had handled the matter from the start, “this would not have happened.”
Ogebe concluded by urging Ibom Air to better train its staff on empathy and sensitivity.
Opinion:
This eyewitness account adds much-needed nuance to a story that, until now, had been largely judged through viral clips alone. It’s a reminder that in moments of public conflict, the truth often lies beyond what the camera catches.
That said, two wrongs never make a right. Crew members—especially in aviation—must understand the power their words carry. A little patience, especially when dealing with passengers who may have genuine limitations, can diffuse tension before it starts. On the other hand, passengers also have a duty to remain calm and avoid escalating situations, no matter how provoked.
At its heart, this is less about phones and more about dignity. People rarely forget how they’re treated—especially in moments when they feel vulnerable. In this case, empathy could have saved everyone the embarrassment that later played out online.
