Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson after a violent confrontation on board its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday.
The incident began before take-off at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, and escalated upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The airline reported that the trouble started shortly before departure when Ms. Emmanson was instructed to turn off her mobile phone, in line with standard aviation safety procedures. Crew members made repeated requests, but she refused to comply.
The Pilot-in-Command then made a public announcement reminding passengers to switch off their devices. A fellow passenger seated beside Ms. Emmanson took the phone from her and switched it off.
This act reportedly triggered a verbal outburst from her directed at the other passenger and the crew.
Despite the disruption, the situation calmed enough for the flight to depart as scheduled. However, the incident reignited after the aircraft landed in Lagos.
Also Read: Again, FAAN announces power outage at Lagos International Airport
Ibom Air stated that once all other passengers had disembarked, Ms. Emmanson confronted the Purser who had earlier given her the phone instruction.
She stepped on the Purser, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and threw them to the floor.
The airline said she struck the Purser with her footwear and slapped her repeatedly. When another cabin crew member intervened, Ms. Emmanson allegedly slapped her as well.
The confrontation intensified when she attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher from the aircraft. Ibom Air said the act could have caused damage severe enough to ground the plane.
The Pilot-in-Command immediately alerted airport security.
Before security arrived, the Purser prevented Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, an action captured in a viral video circulating online. On arrival, security personnel from both Ibom Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, boarded the aircraft.
The airline reported that Ms. Emmanson assaulted them as well, striking multiple officers.
The situation required physical restraint, and Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft. Ibom Air stated that the assaults continued outside on the ramp, where she slapped the airline’s ground supervisor and lashed out at security personnel.
FAAN security eventually took Ms. Emmanson into custody. She was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation. Ibom Air confirmed it has filed a full incident report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The airline has imposed a permanent travel ban on Ms. Emmanson, meaning she will no longer be permitted to fly on any of its aircraft. Ibom Air reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly or violent conduct that endangers the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment.
The statement stressed that such acts would attract the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restrictions.
Ibom Air commended the professionalism and courage of its crew, especially the Purser, in managing the confrontation under extreme circumstances. It also acknowledged the swift intervention of FAAN security and the Nigeria Police Force.
The airline concluded by urging all passengers to comply promptly with crew instructions, noting that safety, security, and comfort on board depend on full cooperation.
“Ibom Air reiterates its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment,” the statement read. “Such behaviour will be met with the strongest possible response.”
While no passengers were physically injured in this case, Ibom Air stressed that the confrontation had the potential to disrupt flight operations and compromise aircraft safety.
Crediblenews.ng
