Ibom Air slaps lifetime ban on passenger over violent mid-air, on-ground attacks

Ibom Air has permanently banned a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a dramatic chain of assaults on crew members and security personnel during and after its Uyo-to-Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025 — an incident that has since gone viral online.

In a statement issued Monday, the airline said the confrontation began before take-off at Akwa Ibom International Airport when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone despite multiple instructions from the crew, contravening aviation safety regulations.

The Pilot-in-Command addressed the matter over the aircraft’s public address system, after which another passenger reportedly took her device and turned it off — triggering a heated verbal outburst from her.

The flight proceeded without further disruption, but upon arrival in Lagos, events took a violent turn.

According to the airline, Ms. Emmanson waited until most passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser, allegedly stepping on her, yanking off her wig, removing her glasses and throwing them to the floor, then striking her with footwear. She was also accused of slapping another crew member who attempted to intervene.

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The statement further alleged that Ms. Emmanson tried to remove a fire extinguisher from its holder — an act Ibom Air said could have caused damage to the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command summoned airport security, but before they arrived, video footage now circulating on social media showed the Purser physically restraining the passenger from leaving the plane.

When security personnel boarded, Ms. Emmanson allegedly continued her attacks, striking airline staff and even slapping the ground supervisor. She was eventually subdued, removed from the aircraft, and handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security team and the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.

Ibom Air confirmed it has reported the case to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and imposed a lifetime travel ban, citing its strict zero-tolerance policy on violent and disruptive conduct.

“Safety remains our highest priority,” the airline stressed, warning that any behaviour endangering passengers, crew, or aircraft would attract immediate legal action and permanent suspension from its services.

The carrier commended its crew for their professionalism and composure under “extremely challenging circumstances” and thanked both airport security and the police for their swift intervention.