Ibom Air Bans Passenger After Violent Assault on Crew During Uyo–Lagos Flight
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

UYO, Nigeria — Ibom Air has imposed a permanent travel ban on a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following a shocking incident of unruly and violent behaviour aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The airline described the conduct as a grave threat to the safety of its passengers, crew, and aircraft.

According to an official statement released by Ibom Air on Monday, the trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson was instructed, in line with standard aviation safety protocols, to switch off her mobile phone. She allegedly refused outright, only relenting after the Pilot-in-Command intervened through an announcement. A fellow passenger seated beside her eventually switched off the device, triggering a verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson.

Although the situation was calmed and the flight proceeded as scheduled, events took a disturbing turn upon arrival in Lagos. Witnesses say Ms. Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had issued the safety instruction earlier. In a violent attack, she reportedly stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig and glasses, threw them to the floor, and used her footwear to hit her. She allegedly slapped the Purser multiple times, and when another crew member intervened, she assaulted her as well.

The airline further revealed that Ms. Emmanson attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher from its mounting, apparently intending to use it as a weapon — a move that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command immediately alerted airport security, but before help arrived, the Purser physically prevented her from leaving the aircraft, as seen in a viral online video.

When Ibom Air’s own security personnel arrived, the passenger’s aggression reportedly continued. She allegedly attacked the security officers, slapped the ground supervisor, and resisted attempts to restrain her. She was eventually removed from the aircraft by force, handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security, and later placed in police custody for further investigation.

Ibom Air has since submitted a formal incident report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and has placed Ms. Emmanson under a permanent travel restriction. The airline stressed its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly behaviour, warning that such conduct will always be met with the strongest possible sanctions, including legal action and lifetime bans.

In the statement, Ibom Air commended the “bravery and professionalism” of its crew under “extremely challenging circumstances” and thanked airport security and the Nigeria Police for their prompt intervention.

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