Ibom Air, a Nigerian domestic carrier, has announced a travel ban on passenger Comfort Emmanson following her aggressive behaviour towards members of the airline’s flight crew during a Uyo–Lagos flight at Lagos airport on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement released on Monday, the airline confirmed that Emmanson would no longer be allowed to fly 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,” Ibom Air said.
Viral videos showed Emmanson physically assaulting one of the flight attendants, despite attempts by security personnel to intervene. Reports indicated that before take-off from Uyo, Emmanson was instructed to turn off her mobile phone, which may have contributed to the altercation.
Ibom Air said, “She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off.
“This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.
“Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.
“She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.
“The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel, did not deter the passenger as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and FAAN security. She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault both Ibom Air and FAAN security staff, and even slapped the ground supervisor.
“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.”
This incident follows closely behind a separate case involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De Ultimate, who was banned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for six months due to unruly behaviour at Abuja airport the previous Tuesday.
