An eyewitness has provided a detailed account of events aboard Ibom Air Flight QI 513 from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
Gatekeepers News reports that the witness whose name wasn’t disclosed, in a statement on Wednesday disputed claims that passenger Miss Emmanson refused to switch off her phone before take-off.
The flight, which reportedly departed at 1:20 p.m., was operated by a small aircraft with only two flight attendants.
According to the eyewitness, who was seated directly across from Miss Emmanson in the emergency exit row, the incident began when a second flight attendant referred to as “Hostess 2” allegedly confronted the passenger in a “condescending and humiliating” manner.
The witness said that after the first attendant politely requested passengers to switch off their devices, Hostess 2 approached Miss Emmanson “with an almighty huff” and insisted she turn off her phone.
When the passenger explained she was unable to operate the device due to difficulty with reading and unfamiliarity with the process, the attendant allegedly refused to assist, telling her, “Please, I don’t have time for your nonsense.”
The situation reportedly escalated when Hostess 2 threatened to deal with the passenger and left for the cockpit. Other passengers, initially unaware of the exchange, urged Miss Emmanson to comply, but later backed down after hearing explanations from nearby witnesses.
During the flight, tensions remained high. The witness said Hostess 1 continued to serve Miss Emmanson courteously, providing water, assisting with her tray, and helping stow her belongings, while Hostess 2 kept peeping at their row.
The eyewitness stated that they disembarked before any physical altercation occurred, only learning later from circulating videos that the situation had escalated after landing.
The witness concluded noting that Miss. Emmanson never at any time refused to switch off her phone for take-off, Hostess 2 acted very poorly and inflamed a rather simple and small matter, Hostess 1 was exceptional and if she were the one who handled the entire episode, this would not have happened.
He further advised that Ibom Air needs to do better in training their staff to learn to be sensitive and empathetic where necessary.
According to him, Miss. Emmanson’s reactions, though founded on grave unwarranted humiliation and provocation, have no place in any sane society and should not be encouraged.
