Ibom Air has barred a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, from flying on its aircraft after she allegedly assaulted multiple crew members, airport security staff, and a ground supervisor during a Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday, the airline described the incident as a “serious threat” to the safety of its crew, passengers, and aircraft.
According to Ibom Air, the trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the crew.
It was only after the pilot made an announcement that another passenger seated beside her switched it off, triggering a heated verbal outburst.
The flight departed as scheduled, but tensions escalated after landing in Lagos.
The airline said Ms. Emmanson waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had instructed her earlier. “She stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them on the floor, and assaulted her with her footwear before slapping her multiple times,” the statement read.
When another crew member tried to intervene, she was reportedly slapped as well. Ibom Air further alleged that Ms. Emmanson attempted to pull out a fire extinguisher, potentially endangering the aircraft.
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, and the Purser blocked the passenger from leaving until help arrived.
But even after security officers from Ibom Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria boarded, the airline said Ms. Emmanson “continued to lash out violently,” attacking them before being forcibly restrained. She was later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
“This kind of behavior will be met with the strongest possible response,” Ibom Air stated, confirming it had imposed a permanent travel ban on Ms. Emmanson.
“We have zero tolerance for any unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment.”
The airline commended its staff for their “bravery and professionalism under extremely challenging circumstances” and thanked security agencies for their swift intervention.
Ibom Air said it has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and urged passengers to always comply with crew instructions “for the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board.”