Ibom Air bans passenger over violent attack on crew during Uyo–Lagos flight

Ibom Air Bans Passenger Over Violent Attack on Crew During Uyo–Lagos Flight

 

UYO, Nigeria – August 11, 2025 — Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a violent altercation on board its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, which the airline described as a “serious threat” to the safety of crew, passengers, and the aircraft.

 

According to a statement issued on Monday, the incident 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. The airline said she only complied after the Pilot-in-Command intervened via announcement, and a fellow passenger seated beside her switched off the device.

 

This action allegedly triggered a verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson, which was calmed before the flight proceeded as scheduled. However, upon arrival in Lagos, the situation escalated dramatically.

 

Ibom Air reported that Ms. Emmanson waited until other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her to switch off her phone. The airline alleges she stepped on the Purser, forcibly tore off her wig and glasses, assaulted her with footwear, and slapped her multiple times. When another cabin crew member attempted to intervene, Ms. Emmanson allegedly slapped her as well.

 

The airline said the passenger then tried to remove a fire extinguisher, potentially endangering the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command immediately alerted airport security.

 

In a video now circulating online, the Purser is seen preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft until security arrived. Ibom Air claims that upon the arrival of both its own and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel, Ms. Emmanson continued her violent outburst, attacking them and even slapping the ground supervisor.

 

She was eventually restrained, removed from the ramp, and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation. The airline has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and imposed a permanent travel ban on Ms. Emmanson.

 

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

 

The airline commended its crew for their “bravery and professionalism” in managing the incident, as well as the swift intervention of airport security and police.

 

Ibom Air urged passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times, stressing that safety remains its highest priority.

 

Ibom Air bans passenger over violent attack on crew during Uyo–Lagos flight