Ibom Air has imposed a permanent travel ban on a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a violent incident aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025, which the airline says endangered passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
According to an official statement released on Monday, trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, as required by aviation safety rules.
It was only after the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement that a fellow passenger intervened and turned off the device, prompting an angry verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson.
While the situation appeared to calm during the flight, tensions flared upon arrival in Lagos. Ibom Air reports that Ms. Emmanson waited until all other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser, the crew member who had earlier instructed her to turn off her phone.
The confrontation escalated into a physical assault in which Ms. Emmanson allegedly stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig and glasses, struck her repeatedly, and attacked another crew member who tried to help.
The airline further alleges that Ms. Emmanson attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher from the aircraft, an act that could have caused damage and grounded the plane.
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, and video footage circulating online shows the Purser preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving until help arrived.
However, Ibom Air says the passenger also lashed out at its security staff and the ground supervisor before being restrained and removed from the ramp. She was subsequently taken into custody by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
In its statement, Ibom Air confirmed it has filed a report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and banned Ms. Emmanson from all future flights.
“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 airline said, adding that such behavior will be met with “the strongest possible response, including legal action.”
The airline commended its crew for their professionalism under “extremely challenging circumstances” and expressed gratitude for the swift response from airport security and police.
Safety, Ibom Air stressed, remains its highest priority, urging all passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times for the safety and comfort of everyone on board.
