Senate to Probe Airline–Passenger Clashes

The Senate Committee on Aviation says it will investigate recent clashes between airline operators and passengers in Nigeria that have drawn widespread public attention.

The incidents include Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1) blocking an aircraft from taking off at the Abuja airport, and Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air Uyo–Lagos flight, being forcibly removed after refusing to switch off her phone and allegedly slapping a flight attendant.

Committee Chairman, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, said on Tuesday that the events of the past two weeks were “too dangerous for silence” and required immediate action to safeguard the aviation sector’s integrity and restore public trust.

He said the committee would engage regulatory agencies, airline operators, security bodies, and public interest groups to uncover the facts, review safety procedures, and recommend corrective measures.

“The committee will not allow procedural lapses or weak enforcement to compromise safety, professionalism, or public confidence,” Abdulfatai stated.