By Joy Yesufu
Ibom Air has imposed a travel ban on a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a violent incident aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
According to the airline, the disruption began before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the cabin crew.
She only complied after the Pilot-in-Command intervened via an announcement, prompting a fellow passenger to switch off the device.
The act reportedly triggered a verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson, though the situation was initially defused, allowing the flight to depart as scheduled.
The situation was said to have escalated after landing in Lagos.
Ibom Air said Ms. Emmanson waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had instructed her earlier.
The airline alleged that she stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, assaulted her repeatedly, and also struck another crew member who attempted to intervene.
She was alleged to have tried to remove a fire extinguisher, an action which the airline said could have damaged the aircraft before being stopped.
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, but Ms. Emmanson allegedly attacked both Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel who boarded the aircraft.
She was forcibly restrained and handed over to the Nigeria Police for investigation.
Ibom Air said it has reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and confirmed that Ms. Emmanson will no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.
The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on unruly or violent behaviour, praising the professionalism of its crew and the swift intervention of airport security.
