Samuel Omang
Ibom Airlines Limited has permanently banned a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, after she assaulted members of its cabin crew during and after a scheduled flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.
The incident, captured in a viral video, showed Emmanson repeatedly slapping the Purser after allegedly refusing to switch off her mobile phone before take-off. According to the airline, the confrontation began when she was asked to comply with standard aviation safety procedures. She refused until the Pilot-in-Command intervened, and a fellow passenger switched off her phone on her behalf.
This triggered a verbal outburst from Emmanson. Although the flight proceeded without delay, tensions escalated after landing in Lagos. Waiting until other passengers had disembarked, she allegedly attacked the Purser—stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, and throwing them to the floor before striking her with footwear. She reportedly slapped the crew member multiple times and also hit another cabin crew member who tried to intervene.
Ibom Air further alleged that Emmanson attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, an act they said suggested “an intention to damage and ground the aircraft.”
The situation worsened when airport security arrived. Emmanson allegedly lashed out at Ibom Air security personnel, assaulted the ground supervisor, and had to be forcibly restrained. She was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security staff for investigation.
The airline said it has submitted a detailed report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and imposed a lifetime travel ban on Emmanson. Ibom Air reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or aircraft.
“We commend the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigerian Police,” the statement read.