AON Bans Ibom Air Passenger Indefinitely for Violent Conduct

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has indefinitely banned Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger who assaulted airline staff on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

In a statement released Monday, AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo confirmed that Emmanson was responsible for the violent behavior and has been placed on the association’s permanent ‘No Fly’ list. This means she is banned from flying with any AON member airline both within Nigeria and internationally.

The statement emphasized,

“We condemn the violent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos. Effective immediately, she is banned for life from flying with any AON member.”

AON highlighted that such incidents have become increasingly common, referencing recent disturbances involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on VajueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s unruly behavior on Air Peace.

A video circulating on social media showed Emmanson aggressively attacking an Ibom Air flight attendant and confronting airport security officials.

Ibom Air also issued a statement detailing the incident. The airline said the trouble began before takeoff from Uyo when Emmanson refused to turn off her mobile phone as required by safety regulations. A fellow passenger switched off the phone on her behalf, provoking Emmanson’s verbal abuse.

Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson physically assaulted the same passenger, an act Ibom Air described as a serious threat to the safety of crew, passengers, and the aircraft. As a result, Ibom Air has barred her from flying on any of its flights in the future.