Ibom Air Passenger Attacks Cabin Crew, Faces Travel Ban and Police Investigation
By our reporter
Ibom Air has confirmed that a passenger aboard one of its flights became violently unruly on Sunday, August 10, leading to a full-scale security incident and a permanent travel ban.
The incident occurred on a flight from Uyo to Lagos, involving a passenger identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson. According to a press release from Ibom Airlines Limited, the trouble began when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone during pre-departure safety checks, in violation of standard aviation procedures. It took a direct announcement from the Pilot-in-Command and the intervention of another passenger before the device was turned off.
However, the situation escalated dramatically upon arrival in Lagos. After all other passengers had disembarked, Ms. Emmanson allegedly launched a physical attack on the flight’s Purser—the crew member who had earlier requested she comply with the phone-off instruction.
Ibom Air reports that Ms. Emmanson approached the unsuspecting crew member, stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and struck her repeatedly with a shoe. She also reportedly slapped another crew member who tried to intervene. In a further escalation, she attempted to remove a fire extinguisher—an act the airline says could have endangered the aircraft.
As the situation worsened, the Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security. A video circulating online shows the Purser restraining the passenger to prevent her from fleeing before help arrived. Even after security forces boarded the aircraft, Ms. Emmanson allegedly continued her violent behavior, attacking both Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel.
She was ultimately restrained and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Ibom Air has since filed an official report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a lifetime travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, banning her from flying on any of the airline’s services.
“We reiterate our zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment,” the airline said in its statement. “Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services.”
The airline commended its crew for their bravery and professionalism, and expressed gratitude to airport security and the Nigeria Police for their swift response.
Ibom Air emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority and urged all travelers to follow crew instructions at all times to ensure safe and secure operations.
