A passenger on a Royal Air Maroc flight, named Ibok Ibok, erupted in anger after discovering his luggage had not arrived, leading to a heated confrontation with a Consumer Protection Officer from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, made this announcement on his official X account on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses report that Mr. Ibok, upset about his “short-landed baggage,” became aggressive, shouting at the top of his voice and causing a scene at the airport. The situation escalated as the officer, mindful of a past physical assault, calmly distanced himself and refused to engage further until Mr. Ibok regained composure.
An aviation agency staff member was seen supporting Ibok’s actions rather than attempting to defuse the situation.
Achimugu clarified the NCAA’s role, stating that its officers are not service providers but mediators tasked with resolving complaints and ensuring airline compliance.“
Achimugu said, “Let it be clear that NOBODY has a right to attack NCAA personnel, no matter the provocation, as they are not service providers and are only there to assist in resolving complaints and ensuring airline compliance. Attacking them serves nobody any good purpose.
“The Authority’s legal department will take up a case against Mr. Ibok Maurice Ibok. The AGM will be reported to his Managing Director.
“Royal Air Maroc is one of the airlines against whom the NCAA has initiated enforcement actions. The Authority will, therefore, investigate today’s occurrences and take appropriate action based on its findings.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation and the DG NCAA will not tolerate any assault on their staff. Passengers are urged to comply with Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023. We remain committed to protecting the rights of all stakeholders.
“The Honourable Minister of Aviation and the DG NCAA will not tolerate any assault on their staff,” he noted.
He urged passengers to adhere to Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations 2023, reiterating their commitment to safeguarding the rights of all stakeholders.