By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
UYO, Nigeria – Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a violent incident aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, which escalated into assaults on crew members, airport security, and ground staff.
According to a statement issued by the airline on Monday and made available to Stonix News, the trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, as required by aviation safety protocols.
The situation was only resolved after a fellow passenger switched off the device, prompting what the airline described as a “verbal tirade.”
The flight proceeded as scheduled, but upon arrival in Lagos, events took a violent turn. Ibom Air said Ms. Emmanson waited until all other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, assaulted her with footwear, and slapped her multiple times.
A second cabin crew member who tried to intervene was also slapped.
The airline further alleged that Ms. Emmanson attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, but before their arrival, the Purser blocked the passenger from leaving the plane, a moment captured in a viral video.
When Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security arrived, Ms. Emmanson reportedly attacked them as well, continuing her assault even after being restrained and removed from the aircraft. She also allegedly slapped the ground supervisor.
She was taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force. The airline confirmed she has since been charged to court and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
In its statement, Ibom Air reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy” for unruly or violent conduct and confirmed a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson. The airline also commended the “bravery and professionalism” of its crew and thanked airport security and the police for their swift intervention.
“Safety remains our highest priority. We urge all passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times for the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board,” the statement read.
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