*The Incident*
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, got into a heated altercation with airline staff. The trouble started when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, as required by safety procedures. A fellow passenger ended up turning off the phone for her, sparking a verbal tirade from Emmanson. Things escalated upon arrival in Lagos when Emmanson physically assaulted a purser who had instructed her to switch off her phone earlier. Emmanson reportedly slapped the purser multiple times, stepped on her, tore off her wig, threw her glasses to the floor, and even attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon.¹ ²
*Consequences for Emmanson*
Emmanson was charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. Ibom Air has banned Emmanson from flying with their airline, citing her behavior as a serious threat to the safety of everyone on board. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the development on his official X handle, stating, "The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on the Uyo–Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson, has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri".³
*Aviation Authority's Stance*
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned of stricter enforcement actions against passengers engaging in disruptive conduct, which has been on the rise in Nigerian airports. Ibom Air's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, emphasized the importance of passengers complying with routine safety instructions, highlighting that passengers have responsibilities alongside their rights.
*Follow-up*
What do you think about the consequences faced by Comfort Emmanson in this incident?
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