Ibom Air Bans Passenger Indefinitely After Violent Attack On Crew

Ibom Air has announced an indefinite ban on a passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson, following a violent altercation with crew members upon arrival at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Ikeja, Lagos.

The airline cited the incident as a serious threat to the safety and well-being of its crew, passengers, and aircraft.

The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, occurred on Sunday, following a flight from Uyo to Lagos.

According to a statement released by Ibom Air on Monday, the conflict began before takeoff when Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone, despite repeated instructions from the crew.

After a fellow passenger intervened, the situation escalated with Emmanson verbally abusing the crew.

However, the most egregious actions occurred after the flight landed in Lagos. The statement alleges that Emmanson waited for other passengers to disembark before launching a physical assault on the Purser who had initially instructed her to turn off her phone.

Ibom Air claims Emmanson stepped on the Purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and physically assaulted her with her footwear, slapping her repeatedly.

“She slapped her several times, and when another cabin crew member attempted to intervene, Emmanson slapped her as well.

“She then tried to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have caused damage and led to the grounding of the aircraft,” the statement read.

The Pilot-in-Command alerted airport security, and the Purser physically restrained Emmanson from leaving the aircraft until help arrived.

Even the arrival of Ibom Air security was met with resistance, with Emmanson allegedly assaulting them as well. She was eventually forcibly removed from the aircraft and taken into custody by FAAN security, then handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.

The statement further alleges that Emmanson continued to attack Ibom Air personnel, even slapping the ground supervisor.

This incident further highlights recent concerns about passenger behaviour in the Nigerian aviation sector.
Just recently , Senator Adam Oshiomhole was involved in a reported disagreement with Air Peace, while Fuji musician KI De Altimate faced issues with ValueJet.

Ibom Air has submitted a formal report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly and violent behavior.

The airline commended its crew for their professionalism and bravery in handling the situation, as well as the swift response from airport security and the police.

The airline vowed to pursue the strongest possible response, including legal action, against any individual who threatens the safety of its passengers, crew, or aircraft, in addition to the permanent ban now imposed on Emmanson.