The Airline Operators of Nigeria has imposed a lifetime flying ban on a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after she physically attacked airline officials during an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
AON, in a statement on Monday by its spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, confirmed that Emmanson’s name had been placed on its “No Fly” list with immediate effect.
“We condemn the violent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos. Effective immediately, she is banned from flying with any member airline of the AON, either domestically or internationally, for life,” Okonkwo said.
He noted that such cases of passenger misconduct were becoming increasingly common, citing recent incidents involving Nigerian musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on VajueJet and former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, on Air Peace.
Footage circulating on social media shows Emmanson assaulting a flight attendant and confronting airport security personnel.
In a separate statement, Ibom Air explained that the confrontation began shortly before take-off when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone as required by standard aviation safety protocols.
A co-passenger reportedly switched off the device, triggering a verbal altercation.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the airline said, Emmanson physically attacked the passenger who had intervened earlier and also assaulted crew members.
Ibom Air stressed that her behaviour “posed a serious threat to the safety of the crew, passengers, and the aircraft,” and confirmed she is permanently barred from boarding any of its flights.
