Ibom Air Bans Passenger Over Violent Assault on Crew and Security Staff

Ibom Air has imposed a lifetime ban on a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted multiple airline crew members and security personnel following a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

In a statement on Monday, the airline said the incident occurred shortly after landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, when Ms. Emmanson physically attacked the Purser — the lead cabin crew member — who had earlier instructed her to switch off her mobile phone before take-off.

According to Ibom Air, trouble began in Uyo when the passenger refused to comply with pre-flight safety instructions. Although the situation was initially calmed, events took a violent turn upon arrival in Lagos.

“She stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and repeatedly slapped her,” the statement alleged. “She also assaulted another crew member, attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, and attacked Ibom Air security staff, including the ground supervisor.”

The airline said Ms. Emmanson was restrained, removed from the aircraft, and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security personnel.

Ibom Air confirmed it has reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and placed Ms. Emmanson on a permanent travel restriction, meaning she will no longer be permitted to fly on any of the airline’s aircraft.

“Ibom Air reaffirms its zero-tolerance policy toward any form of unruly behaviour that endangers the safety and comfort of passengers, crew, or aircraft,” the statement read. “Such conduct will attract legal action and a permanent ban.”

MMA2 Confirms Incident, Warns of Legal Consequences

The management of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) also confirmed the incident, stating it took place after Ms. Emmanson’s arrival on Ibom Air flight Q1 513 from Uyo.

According to MMA2, the passenger assaulted airline crew, FAAN security officers, and aviation security staff during transportation and processing at the terminal.

The terminal operators warned that passengers engaging in violent or disruptive acts at MMA2 face immediate intervention by trained security personnel, detention, handover to law enforcement, prosecution under Nigerian aviation laws, possible placement on airline and airport restriction lists, and civil liability for any damages caused.

The incident has sparked renewed calls within Nigeria’s aviation industry for stricter enforcement of rules against unruly passengers, in line with international safety standards.