By Ghazali Ibrahim
Ibom Air has permanently banned a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after she assaulted multiple crew members, security personnel, and ground staff during and after a Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In a statement released Monday, BlackBox Nigeria learnt that the airline said the incident began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, only complying after a fellow passenger intervened.
The situation escalated upon arrival in Lagos when she confronted the Purser who had issued the initial instruction, BlackBox Nigeria reported.
According to Ibom Air, Ms. Emmanson forcibly stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and hit her with her footwear before slapping her repeatedly.
She also allegedly assaulted another crew member who tried to intervene and attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon.
The airline said the Pilot-in-Command had already called for airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser restrained Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, a moment captured in a viral video circulating online.
When security personnel from Ibom Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) arrived, Ms. Emmanson reportedly attacked them as well, and even slapped the ground supervisor after being removed from the aircraft.
She was eventually taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Ibom Air has also reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a permanent travel restriction on her.
“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 statement read.
It also added that legal action will follow.
The airline commended its crew’s “bravery and professionalism” in managing the confrontation, and urged passengers to comply with all crew instructions for the safety and comfort of everyone on board.
