Ibom Air has announced a permanent ban on a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following a violent incident aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In a statement obtained by PROMPT NEWS on Monday, the airline said Ms. Emmanson’s actions posed “a serious threat to the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft.”
According to the statement, the trouble began before take-off from Uyo when the passenger refused to switch off her mobile phone despite being instructed to do so in line with standard aviation safety procedures.
“She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement,” the airline said, adding that a fellow passenger eventually switched off the device, prompting a “verbal tirade” from her.
The situation was calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.
However, upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson reportedly confronted the Purser who had earlier asked her to switch off the phone.
“She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her,” the airline stated.
“She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too.”
Ibom Air said the passenger also attempted to seize a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that “could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.”
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser prevented Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, as seen in a video circulating online.
“When Ibom Air Security personnel arrived, she attacked them as well… Even after disembarking, she continued to assault Ibom Air security personnel, and even slapped the ground supervisor,” the statement added.
The passenger was restrained and handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security before being transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
The airline confirmed that Ms. Emmanson is now barred from flying on any Ibom Air service and that a report has been submitted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct… Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services,” the statement read.
The carrier praised its crew for their “bravery and professionalism” in managing the situation and acknowledged the support of airport security and the police.
“Safety remains our highest priority. We urge all passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times for the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board,” Ibom Air said.
