By Atoyebi Nike
Ibom Airlines Limited has barred a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, from using its services after she allegedly assaulted multiple crew members and security staff during and after a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday and was captured in a video circulating online, reportedly began when Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff. According to the airline, she complied only after another passenger intervened but then launched into a verbal outburst.
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly confronted the flight’s purser, tearing off her wig and glasses, stepping on her, and striking her several times. The airline says she also slapped another crew member who tried to intervene, attempted to remove a fire extinguisher in what it described as a bid to “damage and ground the aircraft,” and attacked security personnel when they arrived.
She was eventually restrained and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by airport security. Ibom Air says the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has been notified and confirmed Emmanson will no longer be permitted on any of its flights.
The airline commended its staff and security teams for managing what it called an “extremely challenging” situation.
