Ibom Airlines Limited has imposed a lifetime ban on a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted a Purser and other staff members aboard one of its aircraft.
The incident, captured in a viral video, occurred on Sunday during a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
According to a statement from the airline on Monday, the altercation began shortly before take-off when Ms. Emmanson was asked, in line with standard safety protocols, to switch off her mobile phone. She reportedly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command issued an announcement, prompting a fellow passenger seated beside her to switch off the device on her behalf. This act, Ibom Air said, sparked an angry verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson, though the situation was calmed before departure.
Upon arrival in Lagos, however, the matter escalated. Ibom Air stated that Ms. Emmanson waited until other passengers had disembarked, then confronted the Purser who had initially instructed her to turn off her phone. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, threw them to the floor, and struck her repeatedly with her footwear. She was also accused of slapping another crew member who tried to intervene.
The airline further alleged that Ms. Emmanson attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, describing the act as an attempt to damage and ground the aircraft. By this time, the Pilot-in-Command had contacted airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser restrained the passenger to prevent her from leaving the aircraft.
When Ibom Air’s security personnel boarded, Ms. Emmanson allegedly attacked them as well, before being physically removed from the aircraft. Even after disembarking, she reportedly continued to assault the airline’s staff, including slapping the ground supervisor, until she was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security team.
The airline confirmed that a detailed report of the incident has been sent to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. Ms. Emmanson has been permanently barred from flying on Ibom Air, with the company reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance toward violent or unruly conduct that jeopardizes the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment.
“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment. Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services,” the statement read.
The airline also commended its crew for their professionalism under “extremely challenging circumstances” and thanked both airport security and the police for their swift intervention.
What You Should Know
Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted crew members and security staff during and after a Uyo–Lagos flight.
The incident began when she refused to switch off her phone before take-off, escalated into physical violence upon landing, and ended with her arrest. The airline has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for such behavior.
