UYO, NIGERIA — Fresh details have emerged over the now-viral incident involving a female passenger identified as Miss Emmanson aboard Ibom Air Flight QI 513 from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In an exclusive statement obtained by our newsroom, a fellow passenger — who sat directly across from Miss Emmanson in the emergency exit row — has given a first-hand account of events leading up to the altercation that has dominated social media in recent days.
The witness, seated at 14B, says he was positioned on the left aisle of the emergency row, while Miss Emmanson sat across the aisle just two feet away. He insists that contrary to circulating claims, at no time did she refuse to switch off her phone prior to take-off.
“I had never met her before that day,” the witness clarified. “I also had never met any Ibom Air staff before this flight. I am only speaking now out of a moral duty to ensure fairness, regardless of status or influence. While I do not condone the violent and disorderly conduct seen in some videos, it is important the truth is told.”
THE INCIDENT BEFORE TAKE-OFF
According to the account, two air hostesses were on board due to the aircraft’s small size. The first hostess, described as “kind, polite and amiable,” conducted the standard emergency exit briefing and politely asked Miss Emmanson twice to switch off her phone.
Shortly afterwards, the second hostess approached “with an almighty huff” and spoke in a raised tone, instructing the passenger to turn off the device. Miss Emmanson reportedly explained in a low voice that her phone’s power buttons were faulty, making it difficult to switch off.
The witness said the hostess dismissed her explanation and told her an iPhone did not require buttons to switch off. When the passenger asked for help, the hostess allegedly refused, telling her to navigate to settings. Miss Emmanson then said she could not read and didn’t understand the instructions — again requesting assistance.
“Hostess 2 replied, ‘Please I don’t have time for your nonsense. Better switch off that phone immediately,’” the eyewitness recounted. “We were shocked at how condescending she was. The man in 14A and I asked another passenger to help switch it off.”
The situation reportedly escalated when Miss Emmanson questioned why she was being humiliated for being unable to read. Hostess 2 allegedly threatened to “deal with her” before leaving for the cockpit.
Some passengers who were unaware of the details began calling for Miss Emmanson to comply, but according to the witness, once row 14 passengers explained, tensions eased and the flight proceeded without further incident in the air.
IN-FLIGHT ATMOSPHERE
The witness described Miss Emmanson as visibly upset throughout the flight, engaged in quiet conversation with her seatmate. Hostess 2 allegedly kept peering toward their row, while Hostess 1 remained “completely professional” — even assisting Miss Emmanson with extra water, meal trays, and luggage.
UPON LANDING
Upon arrival in Lagos, the witness and his seatmate joked about leaving quickly “before a war breaks out.” Disembarkation proceeded row by row, but before their turn, Miss Emmanson reportedly walked to the back of the plane, possibly to use the restroom. The witness said he thought the matter was over until videos and statements began circulating online after the flight.
The witness says he is willing to stand by his account in any formal inquiry. The incident continues to stir debate over passenger treatment, staff professionalism, and in-flight conflict resolution.