…as eyewitness accounts suggest the altercation was fuelled by the hostess’ allegedly provocative approach.
LAGOS, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The fallout from last week’s Ibom Air altercation between a flight attendant and passenger Comfort Emmanson is deepening, as Nigerians take to social media to demand the hostess’ dismissal and question whether the airline is capable of protecting passengers’ dignity.
The August 10 Uyo-to-Lagos flight ended in chaos after what began as a disagreement over switching off a mobile phone escalated into a physical confrontation upon landing. While Ibom Air accuses Emmanson of assaulting crew members, eyewitness accounts suggest the altercation was fuelled by the hostess’ allegedly provocative approach.
Eyewitness David Ogebe told Channels Television that one crew member handled the situation professionally, but a second “came for trouble” and later threatened to “deal with” the passenger. His remarks have since gone viral, fuelling public criticism of the attendant’s conduct.
On social media, many Nigerians are not just demanding accountability, they’re openly questioning the safety of flying with the airline.
@DanielRegha (on X): “That hostess should be shown the exit. Ibom Air must train staff to de-escalate, not inflame.”
@OloriOfOloris: “Sack her and retrain your team. If passengers can be stripped and humiliated, how safe are the rest of us?”
@dipoaina1: “After stripping her as if she carried a bomb? Nigerians now have to ask – are our private parts safe in the hands of Ibom Air?”
@richandyoung001: “Unprofessional staff. Rather than calm her, they made it worse. Fire her before your brand loses all trust.”
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called the removal of Emmanson – which reportedly left her partially unclothed in public view “a gross violation of human dignity” and urged disciplinary action against those involved.
Similarly, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the handling of the incident, demanding an independent investigation and reversal of the airline’s lifetime ban on the passenger.
As the airline remains silent on growing calls for the hostess’ dismissal, the incident has ignited a broader discussion about passenger safety, privacy, and professionalism in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Many Nigerians now say the scandal is no longer about one passenger, it’s about trust, dignity, and whether flying Ibom Air puts those at risk.
