The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an impartial investigation into a recent incident aboard an Ibom Air flight, following emerging passenger testimonies alleging that the crew prevented a female passenger from disembarking upon arrival despite her explanation that her phone was on flight mode and reportedly pushed her back to her seat, stating that airport security had been called.
RULAAC said the investigation must establish the facts and address any lapses on both sides. While stressing that compliance with aviation safety regulations is non-negotiable, the group emphasised that airline crew must exercise restraint, empathy, and professionalism when dealing with passengers.
The statement noted that unruly passenger behaviour is indeed increasing, but warned against what it described as a growing culture of arrogance and disrespect from some airline crew. “Airlines are not doing passengers a favour — they are providing paid services. They must listen, treat passengers with dignity, and remember that it is passengers’ patronage that sustains the industry,” it said.
According to RULAAC, such patterns of poor service and disregard for citizens reflect a wider national problem in which government agencies and service providers, instead of serving the public, often end up abusing them.
“This case is an opportunity for the airline industry and regulators to affirm that safety, respect, and mutual understanding are the foundation of air travel. The outcome of the investigation should set clear standards for acceptable conduct by both passengers and crew to prevent a recurrence,” the statement concluded.
