Ibom Air bans passenger after violent assault on crew during Uyo–Lagos flight

Ibom Air has confirmed that on Sunday, August 10, 2025, an incident occurred on its Uyo–Lagos flight involving a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, whose actions posed a serious threat to the safety of crew, passengers, and the aircraft.

Before take-off from Uyo, Ms. Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone in line with aviation safety procedures. She refused until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her switched off the phone.

This triggered a verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson.

The situation was calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.

Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her.

She stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.

She slapped the Purser several times and also slapped another crew member who tried to intervene.

She then attempted to seize a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, a move that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.

The Pilot-in-Command had alerted airport security. Before their arrival, the Purser, as shown in a viral video, prevented Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft.

On arrival, Ibom Air Security personnel were also attacked by the passenger, who was eventually restrained and removed by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault security personnel and slapped the ground supervisor.

She was taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.

Ibom Air has submitted a report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel ban on Ms. Emmanson, prohibiting her from flying on any of its aircraft.

The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly or violent conduct and commended its crew for their professionalism in managing the incident, as well as the swift response from airport security and the police.

Safety remains the airline’s top priority, and passengers are urged to always comply with crew instructions for the security and comfort of all on board.