Ibom Air Bans Passenger After Violent Mid-Air Incident

In a dramatic incident that has since gone viral online, Ibom Air has permanently banned a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted crew members and security personnel during and after a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

According to a statement issued by the airline on Monday, the trouble began shortly before take-off in Uyo when Ms. Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone, in line with aviation safety regulations. She reportedly refused until the Pilot-in-Command addressed the matter over the public address system, prompting a fellow passenger to take her phone and switch it off. This sparked a verbal outburst from her.

The flight departed without further incident, but on arrival in Lagos, the situation escalated. After waiting for other passengers to disembark, Ms. Emmanson allegedly confronted the Purser, stepping on her, yanking off her wig, removing her glasses, and hurling them to the floor before assaulting her with her footwear. She also slapped another cabin crew member who tried to intervene.

Ibom Air further alleged that the passenger attempted to pull out a fire extinguisher—an action the airline said could have damaged the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser, as captured in a viral video, restrained Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft.

When Ibom Air security personnel eventually boarded, the airline says she attacked them as well, lashing out violently and even slapping the ground supervisor after being forcibly removed from the plane. She was later handed over to FAAN security and the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.

In response, Ibom Air has filed a report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and imposed a lifetime travel ban on Ms. Emmanson.

The airline reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unruly passengers, vowing that any violent conduct threatening the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment will be met with legal action and permanent restriction from its services.

Ibom Air commended the professionalism and courage of its crew during what it described as “extremely challenging circumstances,” as well as the prompt support from airport security and the Nigeria Police.

“Safety remains our highest priority,” the airline emphasized, urging all passengers to comply with crew instructions for the safety and comfort of everyone on board.