The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime flying ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303, over what it called “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year.”
The incident happened on Sunday during a Uyo-to-Lagos flight.
Ibom Air alleged that Emmanson refused to comply with safety instructions on switching off her phone, assaulted crew members, and even tried to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
“She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off,” the airline said.
The carrier had earlier announced a travel ban on her, but AON’s decision means she will be barred from flying with any of its member airlines for life.
“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,” said Obiora Okonkwo, AON spokesperson.
“Therefore, effective immediately, the AON has placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely. She is hereby banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life.”
Okonkwo noted that such incidents were becoming more frequent, citing recent controversies involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace flights.
He praised Ibom Air for its “swift and professional” handling of the case, stressing that AON “stands united” in its zero-tolerance stance against unruly passengers.
“While passengers have the right to express grievances, such actions must follow due process,” he said.
The association also faulted the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and its Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit, urging an urgent review of airport safety procedures to close existing security gaps.
Emmanson charged remanded over alleged attack on Ibom Air
The New Daily Prime reported earlier that Emmanson 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.
