FAAN Rejects Claims Of Involvement In Ibom Air Passenger Dispute

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has officially distanced itself from the initial handling of the incident involving Comfort Emmanson at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, last Sunday, according to iReporter online.

In a statement released on Friday, FAAN clarified that its personnel were not involved during the early stages of the altercation, which took place within the terminal operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, according to iReporter online.

The scuffle occurred between Emmanson and Ibom Air staff members at the foot of the aircraft.

Following widespread condemnation of the dehumanising treatment of the female passenger by Ibom Air staff, FAAN explained that security operations at MM2 fall under the jurisdiction of Ibom Air’s internal security and the Bi-Courtney Aviation Security Unit, as the terminal is a privately managed facility.

The authority stated, “The MM2 Terminal is classified as a Private Tenant Restricted Area.

FAAN AVSEC officers are responsible solely for passenger and baggage screening at designated checkpoints, while general terminal security operations are handled by Bi-Courtney’s security team,” according to iReporter online.

The agency noted that FAAN’s Aviation Security personnel only became involved after Emmanson was transferred to the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit, also known as “Tango City,” for official documentation before being handed over to the Nigeria Police for prosecution.

FAAN further emphasised its dedication to professionalism, affirming its continuous prioritisation of training and retraining AVSEC officers in line with Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority regulations.

The statement added, “FAAN remains committed to the ongoing training and retraining of our AVSEC officers. Only institutions certified by the NCAA are authorised to conduct certification-related training for aviation personnel.”

The authority reassured the public of its commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety, security, and professionalism across all airport facilities nationwide.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”