A passenger Comfort Emmanson accused of attacking airline staff on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been charged to court and remanded at Kirikiri correctional facility.
The media adviser to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, confirmed the development in a post on X on Monday.
“The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on Uyo-Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri,” Moshood wrote.
His statement came shortly after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) warned that stricter enforcement would soon follow as unruly passenger behaviour becomes increasingly common at Nigerian airports.
Videos shared online show Emmanson confronting flight attendants midair and clashing with airport security on arrival.
Ibom Air said the dispute began before take-off when Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her phone, as required by safety regulations. According to the airline, the passenger seated beside her turned off the device, triggering a heated verbal outburst.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the airline alleged, she physically assaulted the purser who had earlier asked her to comply. The carrier described her actions as a “serious threat” to crew, passengers, and aircraft safety.
Ibom Air has since placed a permanent travel ban on Emmanson, stating she will no longer be allowed to board any of its flights.
