By Ismail Shuaib
ABUJA: Ibom Air has placed a permanent travel ban on a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, following a violent altercation with the airline’s crew and airport security.
The incident, which took place on a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday, involved Emmanson assaulting staff both on board the aircraft and at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
Multiple videos of the incident which circulated on social media, showed a flight attendant alleging to have been slapped.
In another video, airport security can be seen physically restraining the passenger and escorting her into a vehicle.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, commented on one of the videos, stating that passengers have responsibilities as well as rights.
He emphasized the importance of following simple instructions, such as turning off mobile phones during takeoff and landing.
Ibom Air confirmed the details of the incident in an official statement.
According to the airline, trouble began before takeoff when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated requests from the crew.
Her phone was eventually switched off by a fellow passenger after the pilot made an announcement, which prompted a verbal confrontation.
The situation escalated upon arrival in Lagos. The airline reported that Emmanson waited for other passengers to deplane before assaulting the Purser who had initially instructed her to turn off her phone.
She allegedly slapped the Purser multiple times, tore off her wig and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
When another crew member tried to intervene, she was also slapped. Security personnel from both Ibom Air and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN were called to the scene, but Emmanson continued to lash out violently, assaulting them as well.
She was eventually restrained and taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force.
Ibom Air has since submitted a formal report to the NCAA and has banned the passenger from flying with the airline in the future.
