Dare Babalola
The management of Ibom Air has restricted a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmason, from flying any of its aircraft over the allegation of violence against the airline’s hostess and security officials of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The incident happened on Sunday where a viral video showed the passenger repeatedly slapping the air hostess and assaulting airport officials who tried to stop her.
In a statement signed by the Ibom Airlines Limited on Monday, the airline narrated what transpired between its hostess and the passenger, who was described as “unruly”.
The airline noted that Emmason’s behaviour posed a serious threat, not just to the crew members, but to other passengers, and the aircraft as she allegedly failed to comply with the standard aviation safety procedures.
The airline narrated, “Ibom Air confirms that on Sunday, August 10, 2025, an incident occurred on board our Uyo–Lagos flight involving a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, whose conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of our crew, passengers, and aircraft.
“Shortly before take-off from Uyo, Ms. Emmanson was instructed in line with standard aviation safety procedures, to switch off her mobile phone. She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off. This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.
“Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her. She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.”
Ibom Air said that despite the presence of airport security, Emmason continued to display unruly conduct, lashing out violently at them and even slapping the ground supervisor.
The airline noted that the passenger was taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and placed a travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft,” the statement added.
Ibom Air further reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment.
It also commended its crew members for handling the situation professionally, noting that safety remains the priority of the airline.
