In a swift response to an alleged attack on cabin crew and security officials during a Uyo–Lagos service on Sunday, August 10, Ibom Air has placed a flight ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson.
According to a statement issued by the airline on Monday in Uyo, the incident began shortly before take-off when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the Purser, in line with the standard aviation safety rules. It was said that it took an announcement from the Pilot-in-Command and the intervention of a fellow passenger seated beside her to turn off the device, a move that reportedly triggered a verbal outburst from her.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the statement said, Ms. Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser; she stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, and struck her with her footwear. She also reportedly slapped the Purser several times, and when another cabin crew member attempted to intervene, she slapped her as well.
Ibom Air further revealed that the passenger attempted to remove a fire extinguisher, an action that could have caused damage to the aircraft. The Pilot-in-Command had by then alerted airport security, but before they arrived, the Purser prevented Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, as seen in a viral video.
The airline said the arrival of Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel did not deter the passenger, as she allegedly attacked them too, and even slapped the ground supervisor after being removed from the aircraft. She was afterward taken into custody by the FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Ibom Air said a report of the incident has been submitted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and a permanent travel ban has been placed on Ms. Emmanson.
The airline further restated its zero-tolerance policy for unruly or violent conduct that could endanger the lives of passengers, crew, or aircraft, warning that such actions will attract legal consequences and flight restrictions.
It lastly commended the crew for their handling of the situation and acknowledged the support from airport security and the police.
