Authorities are investigating a violent incident involving a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The passenger, identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson, is accused of multiple assaults on flight crew, airport security, and ground staff.
According to Ibom Air, the confrontation began before take-off in Uyo when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused repeated requests to switch off her mobile phone. She only complied after the Pilot-in-Command addressed the cabin. The airline said a fellow passenger switched off the device on her behalf, an action that “prompted a verbal tirade” from her.
The situation turned violent upon landing in Lagos. Ibom Air stated that Ms. Emmanson “stepped on [the Purser], forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.” She allegedly slapped the Purser several times and struck another crew member who attempted to assist.
In the chaos, Ms. Emmanson reportedly attempted to seize a fire extinguisher “to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.”
The Pilot-in-Command called for airport security. Viral video footage shows the Purser preventing her from leaving the aircraft until help arrived.
Security personnel from Ibom Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) responded, but the passenger “attacked them as well, lashing out violently,” the airline reported. She was restrained and forcibly removed from the aircraft. On the ramp, she allegedly continued her assaults, including slapping the ground supervisor.
FAAN security detained Ms. Emmanson and handed her over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation. Ibom Air confirmed it has submitted a report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a permanent travel ban on the passenger.
“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment. Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services,” the airline said.
The carrier also commended “the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigeria Police.”
