The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, following a violent altercation aboard flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The incident, which involved the assault of crew members and an attempt to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, has been described as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behavior this year, prompting swift action from the AON and legal consequences for Emmanson.
According to Ibom Air’s statement, the incident began when Emmanson refused to comply with safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff.
Despite repeated requests, she only complied after the Pilot-in-Command’s announcement and intervention by a fellow passenger.
The situation escalated dramatically upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. After other passengers disembarked, Emmanson allegedly attacked the Purser, stepping on her, tearing off her wig, throwing her glasses to the floor, and striking her with footwear.
She also reportedly slapped another crew member who attempted to intervene and tried to access the aircraft’s fire extinguisher, an act that could have endangered the aircraft and passengers.
The confrontation continued as Emmanson allegedly assaulted Ibom Air security personnel, including slapping the ground supervisor, before being restrained by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force.
She has since been charged to court and is currently remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos, as confirmed by Tunde Moshood, spokesperson for Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, in a post on X.
AON spokesperson Professor Obiora Okonkwo condemned Emmanson’s actions, stating, “This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the aircraft at risk.”
The AON emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for unruly behavior, citing recent incidents involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and alleged misconduct by Senator Adams Oshiomhole toward Air Peace staff.
“Such incidents have become far too frequent,” Okonkwo added, announcing that Emmanson is banned for life from flying with any AON member airline, domestically or internationally.
The AON also called on FAAN to review and strengthen airport security procedures, highlighting vulnerabilities exposed by the incident.
The NCAA has emphasized that interfering with crew members is a criminal offense under international aviation regulations.
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