Nigerian domestic airline, Ibom Air, has imposed a travel ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, following her violent assault on members of its Uyo–Lagos flight crew at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Monday, the airline said Emmanson will no longer be allowed to board any Ibom Air flight, citing her “unruly and dangerous behaviour” as grounds for the lifetime restriction.
“The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation,” the statement read.
Viral videos circulating online captured the moment Emmanson physically assaulted a female flight attendant while airport security personnel attempted to restrain her.
According to Ibom Air, the incident began before take-off from Uyo, when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions. It was only after an announcement by the Pilot-in-Command and intervention by a fellow passenger that the phone was turned off.
“This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson,” the airline said. “The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.”
However, on arrival in Lagos, the situation escalated. After all other passengers had disembarked, Emmanson allegedly attacked the cabin crew member who had earlier instructed her.
According to the airline, she stepped on the Purser, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and assaulted her with her footwear, slapping her multiple times. When another crew member intervened, she reportedly assaulted her as well.
The airline further stated that Emmanson attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, presumably to use as a weapon — an act that could have jeopardized the safety of the aircraft.
Despite the intervention of Ibom Air and FAAN security personnel, Emmanson allegedly continued her violent outburst, attacking multiple staff members, including the ground supervisor after being escorted off the aircraft.
Ibom Air confirmed it has filed an official report on the incident with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The development comes just days after the NCAA banned Fuji singer Wasiu Ayinde, aka K1 De Ultimate, from flying for six months over a separate incident of unruly behaviour at the Abuja airport last week.
