Ibom Air Bans Passenger for Life After Mid-Flight Meltdown and Violent Airport Clash

Ibom Air has issued a lifetime travel ban to a passenger following a violent incident aboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The airline said the passenger, identified as Ms Comfort Emmanson, repeatedly refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off despite multiple instructions from the crew. Upon landing in Lagos, she allegedly approached the Purser, stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and struck her with her footwear. She then slapped the Purser several times, assaulted another crew member who intervened, and attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon—an act the airline said could have caused serious damage to the aircraft.

According to Ibom Air, the Purser prevented Emmanson from leaving the aircraft until security arrived, as seen in viral footage circulating online. The airline said she attacked the responding security officers, lashed out at Ibom Air personnel, and slapped the ground supervisor before being restrained and removed from the aircraft. She was handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria security and then to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.

Ibom Air has also reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward unruly or violent conduct that endangers passengers, crew, or equipment. The NCAA has since reminded air travellers that aviation safety requires responsible behaviour, warning that such actions will be met with strict consequences.

The incident follows another high-profile confrontation just days earlier, when Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, was banned from flying with ValueJet after an altercation with staff at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5, 2025.