JUST IN: Court Charges, Detains Ibom Air Passenger for Assault

Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, now faces serious legal consequences after violently assaulting airline crew and airport security officials.

Authorities confirmed that she has been charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri correctional facility.

Tunde Moshood, special adviser on media and communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed the update in a statement on X on Monday.

His announcement came shortly after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warned that enforcement against unruly passengers will now be more frequent due to rising incidents at Nigerian airports.

Moshood stated, “The unruly passenger on the Uyo-Lagos Ibom Air flight, Miss Comfort Emmanson, has been charged to court and is now cooling off in Kirikiri.”

Videos circulating online captured the moment Emmanson lashed out at flight attendants during the flight and later confronted airport security officials in Lagos.

Ibom Air revealed that the trouble started shortly before take-off from Uyo. Crew members had instructed Emmanson to switch off her mobile phone as part of standard aviation safety procedures.

However, she refused. A fellow passenger seated next to her eventually switched off the phone, which triggered a heated verbal exchange.

The situation escalated further upon arrival in Lagos when Emmanson confronted the purser who had given her the initial instruction.

According to the airline, she physically assaulted the crew member during the confrontation.

Ibom Air said her aggressive actions posed a serious safety threat to the flight crew, passengers, and the aircraft itself.

The airline stressed that such behavior will not be tolerated.

In response to the incident, Ibom Air imposed a lifetime travel ban on Emmanson, barring her from boarding any of its flights in the future.

The airline emphasized its commitment to protecting its staff and passengers, noting that it will always take strong action against any individual who threatens aviation safety.

The NCAA echoed this stance, warning that similar acts of unruly conduct will attract strict legal and travel consequences.

The agency said it will step up enforcement operations across Nigerian airports to ensure passenger compliance with safety regulations.

This latest case adds to growing concerns about air travel discipline in the country.

Authorities have urged the flying public to remain calm, follow all crew instructions, and avoid disruptive behavior to ensure safe and secure flights for everyone on board.

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