…the airline operators decision to ban Comfort Emmanson was reached after a review of Ibom Air’s report on the incident.
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime ban on Comfort Emmanson, barring her from flying with any of its member airlines, both domestically and internationally, following a violent incident aboard an Ibom Air flight.
AON’s spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said in a statement on Monday that the decision, effective immediately, was reached after a review of Ibom Air’s report on the incident, which occurred on Flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The airline alleged that Emmanson refused to comply with safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone during takeoff and subsequently launched a “sustained, violent attack” on crew members.
The assault reportedly included attempts to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, placing both passengers and the aircraft’s safety at risk.
“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk. This behaviour is unacceptable,” AON declared, adding that Emmanson’s name has now been placed on its “No Fly” list for life.
The operators commended Ibom Air for its “swift and professional handling” of the situation and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passengers.
The statement also referenced recent incidents involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace as further examples of unacceptable passenger conduct.
AON called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to review and strengthen airport security procedures, warning that any passenger who engages in violent or disruptive behaviour in future will face similar sanctions.
“While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, and equipment, and to maintaining the highest safety standards,” the statement concluded.
