The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who allegedly assaulted airline staff aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
In a statement released Monday by AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, the group said Emmanson is now permanently barred from flying with any AON member airline, both domestically and internationally. The decision follows what AON described as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour recorded in 2025.
According to Ibom Air, the incident began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off, despite multiple instructions. A fellow passenger eventually turned off the device. Upon landing in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly launched a violent attack on the crew member who had earlier instructed her—slapping her repeatedly, tearing off her wig, and using her footwear as a weapon. She then assaulted another crew member, attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, and continued attacking security personnel after being restrained.
Ibom Air stated that the passenger was forcibly removed and later charged in court. She is currently remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
AON condemned the attack, praising Ibom Air for its swift response and urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to enhance airport security. The group warned that similar behaviour in the future would carry equal consequences, stressing a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and disruption on flights.
The statement also referenced recent high-profile incidents of unruly conduct, including those involving musician KWAM 1 on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace.
“We recognise passengers’ rights to express grievances, but it must be done through the appropriate channels,” AON stated. “Protecting our crew, passengers, and aircraft remains our top priority.”
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