Ibom Air has slammed a lifetime flight ban on a passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, after a disturbing incident aboard one of its flights went viral. The dramatic scene, captured on video, shows Emmanson physically attacking a flight crew member in what the airline described as an unacceptable breach of safety and conduct.
The incident occurred on a flight from Uyo to Lagos after Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, a standard aviation safety rule. Despite reminders from the pilot, she declined to comply. Tensions escalated when a nearby passenger turned off her phone, sparking a heated verbal outburst.
Upon landing in Lagos, the situation took a violent turn. Emmanson confronted the crew member who had intervened, allegedly tearing off her wig and glasses, striking her multiple times, and even slapping another crew member who tried to help. Witnesses say she attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, an act the airline described as extremely dangerous.
The pilot quickly alerted airport security, and crew members worked to prevent her from leaving the aircraft until help arrived. However, when security personnel boarded, Emmanson allegedly attacked them as well, landing blows on a ground supervisor before being restrained and removed from the plane.
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In a statement, Ibom Air confirmed the matter has been reported to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and vowed that Emmanson would “never fly with the airline again.” The company praised its crew and security officers for their calm professionalism and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on unruly passengers, warning that such acts carry severe consequences, including possible legal action.
The shocking footage of the incident has ignited discussions online about passenger behavior, flight safety, and the need for stricter penalties for in-flight violence.
