Airline Operators place alleged unruly passenger, Comfort Emmanson on lifetime flight ban
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime flight ban on a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, accused of violently assaulting crew members on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
Penpushing reports that spokesperson of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) the association of Nigeria’s domestic airlines Obiora Okonkwo made this known, emphasizing that Emmanson will no longer be allowed to fly with any domestic airline under the association’s membership.
The association image maker in a statement described the act of the female passenger as one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed in the sector this year, stressing that it was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the aircraft at risk.
Penpushing further reports that the association equally urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to strengthen Aviation Security (AVSEC) protocols across airports to protect crew and passengers from similar threats.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in similar development through his spokesperson, Tunde Moshood had earlier confirmed that the passenger has been charged to court and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Penpushing also reports that the statement added that Emmanson’s case is an example prompting increased enforcement actions against unruly passengers at Nigerian airports.
“The more reason the flying public should be more careful. Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri’, Moshood emphasised
Penpushing reports that the ban comes amid rising incidents of unruly passengers in Nigeria’s aviation industry, with recent cases involving prominent figures such as musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and a Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, on separate domestic flights.
The incident involving the female passenger it would be recalled began shortly before take-off at Victor Attah International Airport, reportedly escalated when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated safety instructions.
Penpushing further reports that the management of the Ibom Air, said another passenger seated beside Emmanson switched off the device, prompting a verbal outburst that turned into a physical confrontation with the cabin crew.
The airline stated that upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson confronted the purser, the crew member who had earlier instructed her to turn off her phone, and physically assaulted her, while eyewitness accounts and video footage circulating online show the passenger attempting to use a fire extinguisher during the altercation.
Penpushing further reports that some of the video footage also shows the passenger being forced by airport security into a van, during which her clothes were torn and her upper body inappropriately exposed.
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