By Ayomide Otitoju
Ibom Air has banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, from flying with the airline following a violent outburst on a flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
In a statement on August 11, the airline said Emmanson’s behaviour posed a significant threat to crew and passenger safety. The incident began when she refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, prompting a fellow passenger to do so on her behalf.
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly assaulted the Purser by stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, and hitting her with footwear. She also attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, an act that could have caused aircraft damage.
Even after airport security intervened, the passenger reportedly continued assaulting airline and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff. She was restrained, removed from the aircraft, and handed over to the police.
Ibom Air confirmed it has reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and will enforce a travel ban on Emmanson. The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly conduct and commended its crew for handling the situation professionally.
