Ibom Air has released an official statement addressing the widely circulated incident involving an unruly passenger on its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The airline confirmed that the passenger, identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson, engaged in conduct that endangered the safety of the crew, passengers, and the aircraft.
According to the airline, trouble began shortly before take-off from Uyo when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, in line with standard aviation safety procedures. The passenger only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made a public announcement and another passenger intervened to switch off the device. Ibom Air stated that this triggered a “verbal tirade” from Ms. Emmanson.
While the flight continued as scheduled, the airline said the situation escalated dramatically upon arrival in Lagos. Ms. Emmanson reportedly waited until all other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her to switch off her phone. In its account, Ibom Air alleged that she stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and assaulted her repeatedly. Another cabin crew member who attempted to assist was also slapped.
The airline further alleged that the passenger tried to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act Ibom Air said could have caused serious aircraft damage. The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, and the Purser was seen in a now-viral video preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft until help arrived.
Even after security personnel boarded, Ibom Air claimed that the passenger attacked them and later assaulted the ground supervisor. She was ultimately restrained, removed from the aircraft, and handed over to the Nigerian Police Force by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security team.
Ibom Air confirmed it has filed a report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and has imposed a permanent travel ban on Ms. Emmanson. The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for any form of violent or unruly behaviour, warning that similar conduct would be met with strong disciplinary action, including legal proceedings and lifetime restrictions.
“We commend the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigeria Police,” the airline said. “Safety remains our highest priority, and we urge all passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times for the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board.”
