- Ibom Air Bans Passenger After Violent Assault on Crew
- Emmanson allegedly waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the purser who had earlier given her the instruction
- The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on unruly or violent behaviour that threatens the safety of passengers, crew
Ibom Air has released a detailed account of how a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, assaulted one of its crew members during a flight.
As a result, Eko Hot Blog gathered that the airline has imposed a travel ban on her for disruptive behaviour and assaulting its staff.
EDITOR’S PICK:
- BBNaija S10: Danboskid, Ibifubara Evicted as Crew Member’s Death Shocks Viewers
- Peter Obi Remains in Labour Party – Tanko Yunusa
- Ekiti Governor Dissolves Cabinet in Major Shake-up
The touching gesture, made in memory of his son who pa
In a statement on Monday, the airline said Emmanson’s conduct on the flight from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to Lagos posed a serious threat to the safety of the crew, passengers, and aircraft.
According to the report, the passenger was instructed, in line with standard aviation safety procedures, to switch off her mobile phone. “She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off. This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled,” the airline stated.
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the purser who had earlier given her the instruction. She was said to have walked up to the unsuspecting crew member, stepped on her, forcibly pulled off her wig, removed her glasses and threw them on the floor, then used her footwear to hit her.
“She slapped her several times, and when another cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her as well. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft,” the statement read.
The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, but before they arrived, the purser as seen in viral online videos prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft. When Ibom Air security staff arrived, Emmanson allegedly attacked them too, striking both airline and FAAN security personnel. She was eventually restrained and forcibly removed from the aircraft, yet continued to assault security staff after disembarking, even slapping the ground supervisor.
She was taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation.
Ibom Air has reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and confirmed that Ms. Emmanson is permanently banned from flying on its aircraft.
The airline reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on unruly or violent behaviour that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment, warning that such acts will attract the strongest response, including legal action.
It praised the bravery and professionalism of its crew in handling the situation under difficult circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the police.
“Safety remains our highest priority. We urge all passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times for the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board,” the statement concluded.
Click here to watch the trending Video of Ibom Passenger and Airport Officials
FURTHER READING:
