A dramatic incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday has resulted in a lifetime ban for a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted multiple crew members, security personnel, and the airline’s ground supervisor in an outburst that has now gone viral.
In a detailed statement on Monday, Ibom Airlines Limited described the chain of events, calling the passenger’s behavior “violent, dangerous, and unacceptable,” and confirming she will never be allowed to board any of their aircraft again.
The trouble reportedly began before take-off at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions from the Purser — the senior cabin crew member — to switch off her mobile phone, as required by aviation safety rules. The airline said she only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made a public announcement, and even then, it was a fellow passenger who took the phone from her and switched it off. This, according to Ibom Air, triggered a heated verbal exchange with the crew member.
Although the flight departed as scheduled, the tension flared up again upon landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. The airline alleged that Ms. Emmanson waited until all other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, and struck her with footwear. She also reportedly slapped the Purser several times, and when another crew member intervened, slapped her as well.
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In a further escalation, Ibom Air said Ms. Emmanson attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher — an act they interpreted as an intention to damage and ground the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command immediately called for airport security.
Before security could arrive, video footage shows the Purser blocking Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft. When Ibom Air’s own security team boarded, the passenger allegedly attacked them too. She was eventually restrained and removed from the aircraft by force, but the violence reportedly continued on the tarmac, where she slapped the airline’s ground supervisor.
She was then taken into custody by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Ibom Air confirmed that it has submitted a full report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and placed Ms. Emmanson on a permanent no-fly list.
“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment,” the airline said, praising the “bravery and professionalism” of its crew and the swift support from airport security and police.
The airline also warned that future incidents of passenger misconduct will attract the “strongest possible response,” including legal action and permanent bans.
