Confrontation turns into criminal charges
Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Uyo–Lagos Ibom Air flight, has been charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison after allegedly assaulting crew members and clashing with airport security at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Tunde Moshood, spokesperson for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, confirmed the development on X, warning travellers to “be more careful” with their conduct onboard flights.
How it started
According to Ibom Air, the incident began before take-off in Uyo when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone, even after repeated instructions. A fellow passenger eventually turned it off for her, prompting what the airline described as a “verbal tirade.”
Physical assault after landing
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson reportedly waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the purser who had asked her to turn off her phone. The airline says she stepped on the purser, tore off her wig, smashed her glasses, slapped her multiple times, and assaulted another crew member who tried to intervene.
She allegedly attempted to grab a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon — a move that could have damaged the aircraft — before being restrained.
Attacks on security staff
Even after airport security arrived, Ibom Air says Emmanson continued to lash out, assaulting both airline and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff. She was eventually taken into custody and handed over to the police.
Lifetime ban from Ibom Air
The airline has banned her from all future flights and reported the case to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also issued her an industry-wide ban.
