Ibom Air has placed a permanent travel ban on a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted multiple crew members and security staff during and after a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10.
According to the airline, the incident began shortly before take-off in Uyo, when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the cabin crew. She only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement and a fellow passenger switched off the device on her behalf. The intervention reportedly sparked a verbal outburst from the passenger, though the flight eventually departed on schedule.
The situation escalated upon arrival in Lagos. Ibom Air says Ms. Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and used her footwear to strike her. She also slapped the Purser several times and assaulted another crew member who attempted to intervene.
The airline further claims she tried to remove a fire extinguisher, an act that could have damaged the aircraft, prompting the Pilot-in-Command to alert airport security. Viral video footage shows the Purser blocking the passenger from leaving the aircraft until help arrived.
Even after security personnel from Ibom Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) boarded, the passenger allegedly continued to attack them, including slapping the airline’s ground supervisor. She was eventually restrained and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Ibom Air confirmed it has reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and imposed a permanent travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson.
“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 in a statement, adding that it would pursue the strongest possible legal action.
The company commended the professionalism of its crew and the swift response from security agencies, stressing that safety remains its highest priority.