Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following a violent altercation aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The airline described her actions as a “serious threat” to the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ibom Air said the incident began before take-off in Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, in line with standard aviation safety rules.
She only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement and a fellow passenger intervened by switching off the device.
The situation escalated after the flight landed in Lagos.
According to the airline, Ms. Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her.
She allegedly stepped on the crew member, forcibly removed her wig and glasses, threw them to the floor, and struck her with footwear.
The airline said she slapped the Purser several times, then attacked another crew member who tried to intervene.
Ibom Air further alleged that Ms. Emmanson attempted to seize a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon — an act the airline noted could have damaged the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command had already called for airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser restrained the passenger, as seen in a now-viral online video.
Upon the arrival of Ibom Air security personnel, the passenger allegedly continued her assault, attacking the guards and later slapping the airline’s ground supervisor after being removed from the aircraft.
She was eventually taken into custody by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security team and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Ibom Air said it has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a permanent travel ban on Ms. Emmanson.
The airline restated its zero-tolerance stance on unruly or violent conduct and pledged to pursue legal action where necessary.
“We commend the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigeria Police,” the statement read.
