Juliana Edward

Juliana Edward is a Nigerian flight attendant employed by Ibom Air, known for her involvement in a high-profile altercation with passenger Comfort Emmanson aboard a flight in August 2025. As a lead flight attendant (purser), Edward has been a figure of public scrutiny following an incident that raised questions about professionalism and conflict management in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Career

Juliana Edward serves as a flight attendant with Ibom Air, a Nigerian airline based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. As a purser, she is responsible for overseeing cabin crew operations and ensuring passenger safety and compliance with aviation regulations. Details about her tenure with Ibom Air or prior professional experience remain limited, as Edward has not publicly shared extensive information about her career.

Ibom Air Incident (August 2025)

Juliana Edward gained national attention following an incident on August 10, 2025, aboard Ibom Air flight IAN513 from Uyo to Lagos. The altercation involved passenger Comfort Emmanson, who reportedly refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, violating aviation safety protocols. According to eyewitness accounts and video footage, tensions escalated after the flight landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Edward, acting in her capacity as purser, prevented Emmanson from disembarking, citing safety concerns and non-compliance.

Video evidence circulating on social media platforms, including X, shows Edward engaging physically with Emmanson during the deboarding process. In the footage, Edward is seen pulling at Emmanson’s clothing, resulting in the passenger’s top being lifted and torn, exposing her upper body. This action drew significant criticism, with some accusing Edward of acting with unnecessary aggression. Social media posts described her conduct as unprofessional, with one user stating, “Juliana Edward’s actions—tearing Comfort’s top—seemed personal, not procedural.”

The incident led to Emmanson’s arrest and charges of assault, battery, and willful damage to property, including allegations that she slapped Edward and damaged an aircraft divider curtain. Emmanson was remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6, 2025, and banned from flying with Ibom Air and other Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) carriers. However, public discourse has also focused on Edward’s role, with calls for her to be held accountable for escalating the situation.

Allegations of Prior Incidents

Unverified reports have surfaced alleging that Edward has a history of confrontational behavior with passengers. A passenger, Stanley Kotey Pepple, claimed that on August 9, 2025, Edward made derogatory remarks about another passenger who raised a safety concern during a flight. Additionally, a YouTube video by a witness named Tobi alleged prior instances of Edward’s “violent behavior” toward passengers, though no concrete evidence has been substantiated. These claims remain under investigation by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Public Reaction and Controversy

The August 2025 incident sparked widespread debate on social media and in Nigerian news outlets. While some defended Edward’s actions as a necessary response to an uncooperative passenger, others criticized her for what they perceived as excessive force and a lack of professionalism. The exposure of Emmanson’s upper body during the altercation fueled accusations of public humiliation, prompting discussions about crew training and conflict de-escalation protocols.

The NCAA has called for firsthand accounts from passengers on flight IAN513 to aid their investigation, emphasizing the need for clarity on Edward’s conduct and the events leading to the altercation. Ibom Air has not issued a specific statement regarding Edward’s actions but has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and zero tolerance for violence.

Personal Life

Little is known about Juliana Edward’s personal life, as she has not publicly shared details about her background, education, or family. Her identity became public primarily due to the viral nature of the August 2025 incident.

Legacy and Impact

The incident involving Juliana Edward has contributed to broader conversations about accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector. It has highlighted the challenges faced by cabin crew in managing non-compliant passengers and the need for standardized protocols to prevent escalation. Edward’s actions, whether justified or not, have underscored the importance of professionalism under pressure and prompted calls for enhanced training for airline staff.

As of August 14, 2025, the NCAA’s investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with potential implications for Edward’s career and Ibom Air’s operational policies.

References

• Social media posts on X, August 10–14, 2025.
• Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) statement, August 2025.
• Eyewitness accounts and video footage from Ibom Air flight IAN513.

Note: Allegations regarding Edward’s prior behavior are unverified and subject to further investigation.