The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, following her alleged assault on airline personnel during an Ibom Air flight from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to Lagos.
In a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, the AON said the ban, which prohibits Emmanson from flying with any AON member airline—both domestically and internationally—takes immediate effect.
The group condemned Emmanson’s actions, describing them as one of the most serious cases of unruly passenger behaviour recorded in 2025.
“The incident, as detailed by Ibom Air, began with the passenger’s refusal to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage. This escalated into a violent physical assault on crew members and an attempt to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon,” the AON stated.
“This was not merely disruptive—it was a sustained and violent attack that endangered the lives of crew and passengers, and threatened the safety and integrity of the aircraft. Such behaviour is entirely unacceptable.”
AON commended Ibom Air for its swift and professional response to the incident, which occurred aboard flight Q9 303.
The organisation reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for violent or disruptive behaviour and warned that similar actions by any passenger would result in equivalent penalties.
“These types of incidents are becoming far too frequent,” the statement continued, citing previous cases involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on a ValueJet flight, and an incident involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole aboard Air Peace. “This latest episode also highlights concerning lapses in the Aviation Security (AVSEC) response.”
The AON called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently review and tighten security procedures at all airports nationwide.
“While passengers have every right to express grievances, it must be done through appropriate and lawful channels,” AON emphasized. “We remain committed to protecting our staff, passengers, and equipment, and to upholding the highest standards of safety across Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
Details of the incident
According to Ibom Air, the passenger, Comfort Emmanson, assaulted multiple members of the flight crew at the Lagos airport following their arrival from Uyo on Sunday.
Videos circulating on social media showed Emmanson physically attacking a flight attendant as security personnel attempted to restrain her.
The airline said the altercation began before takeoff when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone, even after repeated instructions. It was only after an announcement by the Pilot-in-Command that a fellow passenger intervened and turned off the device.
“This triggered a verbal outburst from Ms. Emmanson, which was eventually calmed, allowing the flight to depart,” the airline explained.
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson reportedly waited until all other passengers had disembarked before confronting the crew member who had instructed her earlier.
“She walked up to the Purser, stepped on her, forcibly removed her wig and glasses, threw them to the floor, and assaulted her using her footwear,” the statement read.
“She proceeded to slap the crew member multiple times. When another cabin crew member tried to intervene, she was slapped as well. Emmanson then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon—an action that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.”
The airline said Emmanson also physically attacked both Ibom Air and FAAN security personnel who arrived to restrain her. She continued the assault even after being removed from the aircraft, reportedly slapping a ground supervisor.
Emmanson was subsequently arrested and charged. She was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos on Monday.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another case of passenger misconduct, involving Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate, who was banned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for six months over unruly behaviour at the Abuja airport last Tuesday.
