Ibom Air has banned a female passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted multiple cabin crew members and airport security officials during a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.
The incident, which was captured in viral videos shared on X (formerly Twitter), showed an enraged Emmanson attacking a flight attendant on board and later confronting airport security staff.
In a statement released on Monday, the airline confirmed that the passenger’s behavior posed a serious safety risk to crew, passengers, and the aircraft. As a result, Ibom Air has imposed a permanent travel restriction on her and handed her over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Why the Ibom Air Passenger Was Banned
According to Ibom Air, the altercation began before take-off when Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone in compliance with aviation safety regulations. She reportedly refused until another passenger seated beside her switched it off. This led to a verbal outburst from Emmanson, though the situation was temporarily calmed, allowing the flight to depart.
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly waited for other passengers to disembark before attacking the Purser (lead flight attendant) who had earlier given the instruction. The airline says she:
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Stepped on the Purser’s foot
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Tore off her wig and glasses
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Threw the items on the floor
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Used her footwear to hit her
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Slapped her multiple times
When another crew member intervened, Emmanson allegedly slapped her as well and attempted to grab a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon — an action that could have damaged the aircraft.
Passenger Also Attacked Security Officials
Ibom Air stated that despite calls for airport security, the passenger continued her aggressive behavior. She reportedly attacked Ibom Air security personnel and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security officers, even slapping the ground supervisor after being escorted off the plane.
The airline emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for unruly passenger behavior, warning that any conduct that endangers the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment will be met with strict consequences.
A Growing Concern in Nigerian Aviation
This latest incident comes just days after veteran Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, was reported to have spilled an alcoholic drink on airport staff while boarding a ValueJet flight at the domestic terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Ibom Air says it has submitted a full report of the assault to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and reiterated that Comfort Emmanson will never again be permitted to fly with the airline.
