- Passenger attacked crew and security staff.
- Fire extinguisher nearly used as weapon.
- Lifetime no-fly ban imposed by AON.
A Nigerian passenger has been banned for life from all local airlines after attacking flight crew and security staff on an Ibom Air flight.
According to Eko Hot Blog, the incident happened on August 10, 2025, during a flight from Uyo to Lagos. The passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, reportedly ignored multiple safety instructions, sparking a heated dispute with the cabin crew.
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What began as a simple reminder to switch off her phone quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
Witnesses said Emmanson refused to comply when the cabin crew asked her to turn off her mobile phone before take-off. Another passenger intervened and switched off the device, which allegedly angered her.
Upon landing in Lagos, she confronted the cabin purser, stepping on her, pulling off her wig, smashing her glasses, and hitting her repeatedly with her footwear.
The situation worsened as she also slapped other crew members and tried to seize a fire extinguisher a move that could have endangered passengers and staff.
Airport security officers and Ibom Air personnel tried to restrain her, but she allegedly continued the assault, targeting the ground supervisor and security staff after disembarking.
She was eventually handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Security team and later transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further action.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has since placed her on a permanent no-fly list, meaning she cannot board any domestic airline again.
In a statement, AON condemned the attack, describing it as one of the most severe cases of unruly behavior seen in recent times. The group also called on FAAN to tighten security measures and ensure better protection for airline staff. Ibom Air, on its part, assured passengers that it would not tolerate any threats to safety or dignity of its crew.
This ban marks a strong warning to travelers that violent conduct on flights will be met with the strictest penalties.
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