Unruly Passenger Assaults Ibom Air Crew, Security Personnel on Uyo–Lagos Flight
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
UYO, Nigeria — Passengers aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, 2025, witnessed a disturbing incident after a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, engaged in a series of violent acts against crew members and security personnel.
According to Ibom Air, the altercation began shortly before take-off at Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, when Ms. Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions from the Purser, in line with aviation safety regulations. The passenger only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, and a fellow passenger beside her switched off the device.
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The airline reported that Ms. Emmanson then launched into a verbal tirade but was calmed before departure. However, the situation escalated upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
The Merit Newspaper reports that eyewitnesses and airline officials say that after all passengers had disembarked, Ms. Emmanson confronted the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, assaulted her with footwear, and slapped her repeatedly. When another crew member attempted to intervene, she slapped her as well.
In a further act of aggression, Ms. Emmanson reportedly attempted to remove a fire extinguisher from its compartment, an action that could have damaged the aircraft.
The Pilot-in-Command immediately alerted airport security. A viral online video shows the Purser preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft before security arrived. However, Ibom Air stated that the arrival of their security team and personnel from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) did not deter her, as she attacked them too, including slapping the airline’s ground supervisor.
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She was eventually restrained, removed from the ramp, and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Ibom Air confirmed that it has placed a permanent travel ban on Ms. Emmanson and submitted a detailed report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
“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 airline stated, adding that such behaviour will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action.
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The airline commended the bravery and professionalism of its crew, as well as the swift response of security agencies, in handling what it described as an “extremely challenging situation.”
See the video of the scene below:
