Nigerian domestic airline, Ibom Air, has imposed a permanent travel ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted members of its Uyo–Lagos flight crew at Lagos airport on Sunday.
In a statement on Monday, the airline said Emmanson would no longer be permitted to board any of its aircraft following her “unruly and violent conduct.”
According to the airline, the incident began shortly before departure from Uyo when Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone. She reportedly refused to comply until a fellow passenger turned off the device on her behalf, sparking an angry outburst.
The situation was initially calmed, and the flight proceeded as scheduled. However, upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had earlier given the instruction.
The airline’s account stated that she “stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, and struck her with her footwear.” She then allegedly slapped the crew member several times and attacked another flight attendant who tried to intervene.
In a further escalation, Emmanson reportedly attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, posing a potential safety risk to the aircraft. Ibom Air said she also assaulted its security personnel and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) before being restrained and removed from the aircraft.
“She was taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation,” the airline confirmed, adding that a report has been submitted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The incident comes just days after the NCAA banned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate), from flying for six months over alleged unruly behaviour at Abuja airport.
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