A violent altercation involving a female passenger on board an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos has sparked widespread outrage, following the airline’s confirmation of a serious safety breach that occurred on August 10, 2025.
The passenger, identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson, reportedly engaged in a series of aggressive acts before and after the flight, culminating in a physical assault on multiple crew members and airport security personnel.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, has raised fresh concerns over passenger conduct and aviation safety across Nigeria.
According to a press statement issued by Ibom Air on Monday, trouble began before take-off when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone, defying direct instructions from the crew.
Despite repeated requests and a public address by the Pilot-in-Command, she only complied when a fellow passenger intervened.
Her noncompliance was followed by a verbal outburst directed at the crew.
While the initial situation appeared to deescalate during the flight, the worst was yet to come.
Upon landing in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited until all other passengers had disembarked before launching an unprovoked attack on the flight’s Purser, who had earlier asked her to switch off her phone.
Eyewitness accounts and a circulating video show the passenger assaulting the crew member.
She was recorded while stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, slapping her repeatedly, and attempting to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
When another cabin crew member intervened, she was also slapped.
The passenger’s actions posed a potential risk not only to staff but to the aircraft itself, with Ibom Air warning that her attempt to use the fire extinguisher could have caused significant damage.
Airport security, including officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), were promptly alerted.
Despite their presence, Ms. Emmanson reportedly continued her violent behavior, attacking both Ibom Air and FAAN personnel.
She was eventually restrained and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.
Ibom Air has since imposed a travel ban on Ms. Emmanson, stating unequivocally that she will no longer be permitted on any of their flights.
A formal report has also been submitted to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will be met with the strongest possible response,” the airline stated.
“We reiterate our zero-tolerance policy towards any form of unruly or violent conduct that threatens the safety of passengers, crew, or equipment,” it added.
The airline also praised the professionalism of its crew and the rapid response from airport security.
Incidents of unruly passengers have been on the rise globally, prompting aviation regulators to consider stricter enforcement measures.
In Nigeria, the NCAA has in recent years urged carriers to document and report such occurrences, in a bid to improve air travel safety and deter similar incidents.
As of press time, the Nigeria Police had not yet issued an official statement on charges against Ms. Emmanson.
However, legal experts suggest she could face multiple counts of assault, endangering public safety, and interference with aviation operations.
