By JKNewsMedia
A PERMANENT travel restriction has been announced by Ibom Air on a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following what the airline described as a violent incident aboard its Uyo-Lagos flight on Sunday, 10 August 2025.
According to a statement by Akwa Ibom Airlines Limited, Ms Emmanson’s conduct posed a serious threat to crew, passengers, and the aircraft.
Shortly before take-off from Uyo, she was instructed to switch off her mobile phone in line with standard safety procedures but refused until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement.
A fellow passenger then switched off the device, prompting a verbal outburst from Ms Emmanson.
The flight subsequently departed as scheduled.
On arrival in Lagos, the statement said Ms Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had given her the earlier instruction.
She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, used her footwear to hit her, and slapped her multiple times.
When another crew member intervened, she was also slapped.
The airline reported that Ms Emmanson attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, which could have damaged the aircraft.
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, but before their arrival, the Purser prevented Ms Emmanson from leaving the aircraft.
On the arrival of Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel, the passenger reportedly attacked them as well.
She was restrained, removed from the aircraft, and continued the assault on the ramp, including slapping the ground supervisor.
Ibom Air confirmed that she was taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
The airline has submitted a report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly or violent behaviour, warning that such acts would attract the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent travel bans.
