In a shocking incident that has sparked nationwide conversation about air travel safety, Nigerian domestic carrier Ibom Air has placed a permanent ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, following her violent assault on multiple crew members during and after a Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday.
According to a statement released by the airline on Monday, Emmanson’s disruptive behaviour began before take-off in Uyo when she refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the flight crew. The situation escalated when a fellow passenger intervened to turn off the phone, prompting a heated verbal outburst from Emmanson.
While the flight departed as scheduled, the real confrontation began upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. Ibom Air reports that Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before approaching the Purser who had instructed her earlier. In a sudden attack, she allegedly stepped on the Purser, forcibly tore off her wig and glasses, and assaulted her with footwear. She then struck another cabin crew member who tried to intervene.
In a disturbing escalation, Emmanson reportedly attempted to seize a fire extinguisher — an act the airline says could have caused significant damage and grounded the aircraft. Even after Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel intervened, she continued her violent outburst, attacking them as well as the airline’s ground supervisor.
Security officers forcibly removed her from the aircraft, after which she was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation. Ibom Air has since filed an official report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This incident comes just days after the NCAA banned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate) for six months over unruly behaviour at Abuja airport, highlighting a growing concern over passenger misconduct in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Ibom Air reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for violence against its staff, warning that such actions will result in immediate and permanent sanctions.
-Deeprows News
