Ibom Air Implements Lifetime Ban After Passenger Assaults Crew

Ibom Airlines has permanently banned passenger Comfort Emmanson following a violent incident aboard its Uyo to Lagos flight on Sunday. The altercation began when Emmanson refused standard pre-takeoff safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone, requiring pilot intervention and assistance from a fellow passenger to secure the device.

After landing in Lagos, Emmanson deliberately remained onboard and assaulted the lead purser who had issued the initial safety directive. Security footage confirms she stomped on the crew member’s foot, forcibly removed her wig and glasses, and repeatedly struck her with footwear. When another crew member intervened, Emmanson physically attacked her as well. The situation escalated when the passenger attempted to access an aircraft fire extinguisher as a weapon – an act the airline described as intentional sabotage.

Airport security personnel were assaulted by Emmanson upon their arrival, requiring physical restraint before her transfer to FAAN security and Nigeria Police custody. In an official statement, Ibom Air confirmed a lifetime flight ban for the passenger and submission of a formal incident report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The airline commended its crew’s professionalism under duress while reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy toward unruly behavior that compromises flight safety. Management emphasized such conduct will always result in maximum penalties, including criminal prosecution, and acknowledged FAAN and police for their swift response.