Passenger Slaps Cabin Crew, Assaults Security on Ibom Air Flight — Airline Issues Permanent Ban

Lagos/Uyo, Nigeria; A disturbing scene played out aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, August 10, when a passenger violently assaulted cabin crew members and security personnel after landing. The incident has led to a permanent ban for the offender and formal reports to aviation regulators and law enforcement.

The confrontation began before takeoff when Ms. Comfort Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, a basic safety requirement on flights. The Pilot-in-Command intervened, and another passenger eventually switched off the device, but the exchange created a tense atmosphere.

Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson waited until other passengers had disembarked before launching a physical attack on the Purser, stepping on her, pulling off her wig, throwing her glasses to the ground, striking her with footwear, and repeatedly slapping her. Another cabin crew member who attempted to help was also attacked. The passenger then tried to seize a fire extinguisher, posing a serious safety risk, and assaulted Ibom Air security staff and the ground supervisor.

Despite her aggression, the Purser prevented her from escaping until airport security arrived. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria personnel removed her from the ramp and handed her over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation. Ibom Air condemned the violent behavior as unacceptable and a grave safety threat, stressing that the airline maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such incidents.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been officially notified. Its spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, reminded the public that air passengers have responsibilities alongside their rights, noting that even seemingly small acts of non-compliance—such as refusing to turn off electronic devices—can escalate into serious security issues.