Ibom Airlines Limited has placed a lifetime ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted multiple crew members and security staff in an incident that has reignited concerns over unruly behaviour on Nigerian flights.
The altercation, which occurred on Sunday aboard the airline’s Uyo-to-Lagos service, began when Emmanson reportedly refused to switch off her phone before take-off, despite repeated instructions from the Purser in line with aviation safety procedures.
According to a statement issued by Ibom Air on Monday, she only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made a public announcement, and a fellow passenger reached over to switch off her device. This, the airline said, triggered “a verbal tirade” which simmered down during the flight but flared again upon landing in Lagos.
“She waited until other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser,” the statement alleged. “She stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw them to the floor, used her footwear to hit her, and slapped her several times. Another cabin crew member who tried to intervene was also slapped.”
Ibom Air claimed the passenger then attempted to remove a fire extinguisher — which the airline described as “an intention to damage and ground the aircraft” — before airport security arrived. Even then, she allegedly attacked Ibom Air security staff, lashing out at them and slapping the ground supervisor.
The passenger was eventually restrained and handed over to Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel, who in turn transferred her to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
The airline confirmed it has submitted a formal report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and permanently barred Emmanson from its flights. “We commend the professionalism of our crew and the swift support from airport security and the police in handling this difficult situation,” the statement read.
The incident comes days after popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, was accused of obstructing a Lagos-bound flight - a case that stirred debate over the rising incidence of aggression in Nigerian aviation.
Although Kwam 1 denied wrongdoing, and later apologised, the controversy spotlighted what industry observers say is a worrying pattern of passenger misconduct.
Aviation safety experts warn that such acts, if unchecked, could compromise in-flight security. Airlines are increasingly adopting zero-tolerance policies, with lifetime bans and formal prosecution becoming the industry’s strongest deterrents against unruly passengers.
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