The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has issued a lifetime ban on a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, following what it described as one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour recorded in 2025.
In a statement on Monday, AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, said the sanction — effective immediately — bars Emmanson from flying with any AON member airline, domestically or internationally, for life. The group vowed that similar misconduct in the future would attract the same penalty.
The incident occurred on an Ibom Air flight (Q9 303) from Uyo to Lagos, after Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off, assaulted two flight attendants, and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
According to Ibom Air, the confrontation escalated upon arrival in Lagos, when Emmanson attacked the Purser who had earlier given her safety instructions. She allegedly stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig and glasses, hit her with footwear, and repeatedly slapped her. When another cabin crew tried to intervene, she was also slapped. The passenger reportedly went on to assault airline security staff and officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Related: Drama As Passenger Disrupts Flight, Assualt Attendant on Ibom Air Flight
Viral videos of the incident show the passenger lashing out despite efforts to restrain her. The airline later confirmed she was arrested, charged, and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
AON commended Ibom Air’s swift handling of the matter, warning that such incidents had become “one too many,” citing recent cases involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Senator Adams Oshiomhole. The body called on FAAN to urgently review airport security measures to protect airline personnel, passengers, and aircraft integrity.
