Shola Akinyele
Ibom Air has announced a permanent travel ban on a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a shocking display of unruly behavior on board its August 10, 2025, Uyo–Lagos flight that endangered crew, passengers, and the aircraft.
According to the airline’s official statement, the trouble began shortly before take-off when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the crew. It took the intervention of a fellow passenger and a direct announcement from the Pilot-in-Command before her phone was turned off. This triggered a verbal outburst from the passenger, which was calmed before departure.
However, upon arrival in Lagos, events escalated dramatically. Ms. Emmanson reportedly waited for all passengers to disembark before physically assaulting the Purser who had earlier instructed her. Witnesses say she stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, and hit her with her footwear. She also slapped another cabin crew member who tried to intervene and attempted to remove a fire extinguisher from the aircraft to use as a weapon — a move the airline said could have caused serious damage.
When airport security arrived, the passenger allegedly attacked them too, continuing her violent spree even after being restrained and removed from the aircraft. She also slapped Ibom Air’s ground supervisor before being taken into custody by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Ibom Air has reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and vowed to pursue the strongest possible action. The airline praised its crew for their professionalism and quick thinking under extreme pressure, while reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy for unruly conduct.
“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.
Videos of the incident have since gone viral, sparking widespread outrage and calls for stricter enforcement of in-flight safety regulations in Nigeria.
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