Ibom Air Imposes Lifetime Ban on Passenger Over Violent Onboard Assault

Ibom Air has announced a permanent travel restriction on Ms. Comfort Emmanson following a violent incident aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The airline described the passenger’s conduct as posing a “serious threat to the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft.”

According to an official statement from Ibom Air, the trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone in line with standard aviation safety procedures. It was only after the Pilot-in-Command made a public announcement that a fellow passenger intervened to turn off the device, prompting a verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson.

The flight departed as scheduled, but upon arrival in Lagos, the situation escalated dramatically. Ms. Emmanson allegedly confronted the Purser who had earlier instructed her, stepping on her, forcibly removing her wig and glasses, throwing them to the floor, and using her footwear to assault her. She also slapped another cabin crew member who tried to intervene.

In a further escalation, Ms. Emmanson reportedly attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon—an act the airline warned could have caused significant damage to the aircraft.

The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, while the Purser, as seen in a viral online video, blocked the passenger from disembarking until help arrived. Even after Ibom Air security personnel boarded, Ms. Emmanson continued to lash out, attacking them and later slapping the airline’s ground supervisor after being removed from the aircraft.

She was ultimately restrained, handed over to Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security, and taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

Ibom Air confirmed that it has reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and has placed a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson from flying on any of its aircraft.

The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly or violent conduct, stating:

“Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services.”

Ibom Air commended the “bravery and professionalism” of its crew in handling the situation under “extremely challenging circumstances,” as well as the prompt support from airport security and the Nigerian Police.

The carrier concluded by urging all passengers to strictly comply with crew instructions for the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board.