The airline said it has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and imposed a permanent ban
Ibom Air Slaps Lifetime Ban on Passenger Over Violent Mid-Air
Ibom Air has issued a lifetime travel ban to a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after a shocking series of assaults on crew members and security personnel during and after a Uyo-to-Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025 — an incident now making waves online.
In a statement on Monday, the airline revealed that the trouble started before take-off in Uyo when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions, a breach of aviation safety regulations.
The matter escalated when the Pilot-in-Command addressed it via the public address system, prompting another passenger to take her phone and switch it off. This reportedly triggered a verbal outburst from her.
The flight departed without further drama, but upon arrival in Lagos, chaos erupted. Ibom Air alleged that after waiting for others to disembark, Ms. Emmanson 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 then allegedly slapped another crew member who intervened.
According to the airline, the passenger also tried to pull out a fire extinguisher — a move they warned could have damaged the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command called airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser, as shown in a now-viral video, restrained Ms. Emmanson from leaving the plane.
When Ibom Air security eventually boarded, the statement claims Ms. Emmanson turned her aggression on them too, attacking personnel and “even slapping the ground supervisor” before being forcibly removed. She was handed over to FAAN security and the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
The airline said it has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and imposed a permanent ban, stressing its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passengers.
“Safety remains our highest priority,” Ibom Air stated, adding that any violent conduct threatening passengers, crew, or aircraft would result in legal action and lifetime restriction from its services.
The airline praised the professionalism and bravery of its crew during what it described as “extremely challenging circumstances,” and thanked airport security and the police for their swift intervention. Read More
