Airline Enforces Zero Tolerance Policy on Unruly Conduct

Ibom Air has permanently banned a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following a violent incident on its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025, which the airline said posed “a serious threat” to the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.

In a statement issued on Monday, the airline explained that the 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.

According to the statement, it took an announcement from the Pilot in Command and the intervention of a fellow passenger seated beside her before the device was turned off. This action reportedly provoked an angry outburst from Ms. Emmanson, although the situation was initially calmed and the flight departed as scheduled.

However, upon arrival in Lagos, events took a violent turn. Ibom Air said Ms. Emmanson waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her to switch off the phone. The statement alleged that she stepped on the crew member, forcibly removed her wig and glasses, threw them on the floor, and struck her repeatedly with her footwear.

When another cabin crew member attempted to intervene, she was also slapped, the airline claimed. Ms. Emmanson allegedly then tried to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher from its holder, an act that could have caused damage to the aircraft.

The Pilot in Command reportedly alerted airport security, while the Purser, as seen in a viral video, blocked the passenger from leaving the aircraft until help arrived. The airline alleged that Ms. Emmanson attacked both Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel upon their arrival, resisting arrest and continuing her assaults after being removed from the aircraft.

She was eventually taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

Ibom Air confirmed it has submitted a full report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and placed a permanent travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson.

“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 behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services.”

The airline commended the bravery and professionalism of its crew in managing the situation under difficult circumstances and expressed appreciation for the swift intervention by airport security and the police.