Ibom Air Issues Lifetime Ban on Passenger

Ibom Air has imposed a lifetime travel ban on a female passenger after a violent outburst on its Uyo–Lagos flight escalated into multiple assaults on cabin crew and airport security staff.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian airline on Monday, the incident occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and involved Ms. Comfort Emmanson.

The confrontation began when she refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone before take-off.

Upon arrival in Lagos, the situation worsened. The airline said Emmanson “walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and threw them to the floor.”

She then allegedly used her footwear to strike the Purser, slapped her several times, and attacked another cabin crew member who attempted to intervene.

Ibom Air also reported that Emmanson tried to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher, an act the airline warned could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.

Viral videos of the incident show the Purser physically blocking the passenger from exiting until airport security arrived.

When security personnel from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) boarded the plane, Emmanson allegedly lashed out at them as well.

She was eventually restrained and forcibly removed from the aircraft, but the aggression continued. The airline stated that she slapped the ground supervisor before being taken into police custody.

The Nigeria Police Force is now investigating the incident, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been notified.

Ibom Air reaffirmed its strict “zero-tolerance policy” against unruly or violent conduct that endangers passengers, crew, or aircraft safety.

“The safety and dignity of our staff and passengers are non-negotiable. We will always take strong action against anyone who threatens them,” the airline’s statement read.

This is the second high-profile air travel altercation in Nigeria within days.

On August 5, 2025, Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, was banned from flying ValueJet after a heated confrontation with staff at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

The NCAA has since reminded all air travellers that flying comes with responsibilities as well as rights, warning that any unruly behaviour will attract severe consequences, including permanent bans and legal prosecution.

The incident has sparked debate over passenger conduct and flight safety in Nigeria, with many calling for stricter enforcement of aviation regulations.

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