Nigerian domestic carrier, Ibom Air, has placed an indefinite travel restriction on Comfort Emmanson after she violently assaulted members of its Uyo–Lagos flight crew and security personnel at the Lagos airport on Sunday.
In a statement on Monday, the airline said Emmanson would no longer be allowed to travel on any of its aircraft. “The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation,” the statement read.
Viral videos circulating online show Emmanson slapping a flight attendant while security officials tried to restrain her. The airline explained that the confrontation began shortly before take-off from Uyo, when she refused to switch off her mobile phone until another passenger intervened.
According to Ibom Air, upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson waited for all passengers to disembark before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, threw them to the ground, and hit her with her footwear. When another crew member tried to intervene, she was also slapped.
Emmanson then reportedly attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon—an action the airline said could have damaged and grounded the aircraft. Despite the arrival of Ibom Air and FAAN security personnel, she allegedly continued her violent behaviour, assaulting staff and even slapping the ground supervisor.
The airline has submitted a report of the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). This development comes just days after the NCAA banned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, from flying for six months over unruly conduct at Abuja airport last Tuesday.
