NCAA Vows Prosecution as Senior Official Nearly Resigns After Passenger Assault

A senior official of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) nearly resigned from her position after she was allegedly slapped and humiliated by a female passenger protesting a flight cancellation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The passenger, identified as Dr. Chinyere Ihuarlam, assaulted the official on Thursday after a domestic flight cancellation left several travellers frustrated. When the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Officers attempted to calm the situation, Ihuarlam allegedly slapped the senior official. Airport sources confirmed the assault, despite initial denials by some passengers at the scene.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, disclosed that the victim contacted him the following day, expressing a dwindling motivation to continue in her role.

“She said she no longer feels motivated to do this job. How would I have allowed her to go? She is one of our best hands, but I have spoken to her,” Achimugu said.

The NCAA has vowed to prosecute the passenger to serve as a deterrent against unruly conduct at airports nationwide. Expressing disappointment over the behavior of bystanders who allegedly attempted to conceal the incident, Achimugu issued a sharp rebuke.

“Do you guys think that paying airfares gives you absolute rights? And how, in the name of God and Law, does the right to slap people extend to innocent workers who are not responsible for the disruption that caused your angst? Why did you agree to lie about such an incident, and cover up such a crime?” he queried.

“I am usually calm on the internet, but this is one matter that will not escape scrutiny. I am unhappy that you still let this post stay to this moment, but maybe this is just who you are. Someday, you will need the protection of our officers. Let’s hope you have not slapped all of them out of service by then. On such a day, you will appreciate the impossibly incredible work they do for you.”

Achimugu confirmed that the agency’s legal department had been briefed to facilitate the passenger’s prosecution.

“We are not taking this lightly. We have briefed our legal department and will also brief the DG CAA today. The woman will have her day in court. This is no civilized behaviour, and no one will continually remain to attack officials while doing their lawful job,” he added.

“Times without number, I have kept appealing to passengers to stop unruly behaviour at the airport. CPOs are always there to help you, not for you to attack them. Cancelling your flight shouldn’t warrant violence. If you feel your rights were impeded, there are laid-down rules and steps to seek redress.”

The incident adds to a troubling trend of passenger misconduct in Nigeria’s aviation industry. In 2025 alone, several high-profile cases drew widespread condemnation. On August 5, Fuji musician KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with ValueJet crew members at the Abuja airport. Days later, on August 10, a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, was forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos after allegedly assaulting a crew member.

Additionally, Senator Adams Oshiomhole was accused of physically preventing Air Peace personnel from performing their duties at the MMA2 terminal in Ikeja on June 11 after being denied boarding for arriving late.

Amid recurring attacks on airline and airport personnel, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) raised an alarm in 2025, warning that such behaviour would no longer be condoned and could attract severe penalties under existing aviation laws.