a lifetime no-fly ban on Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger accused of violently assaulting crew members on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
In a statement by AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, the ban which applies to all AON member airlines both domestically and internationally takes immediate effect. The association warned that similar acts of unruly behaviour would attract the same penalty going forward.
According to Ibom Air, the confrontation began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off despite repeated safety instructions. After a fellow passenger switched off the device, she allegedly launched into a verbal outburst.
Upon arrival in Lagos, she reportedly waited until other passengers had disembarked before attacking the Purser who had earlier instructed her.
The airline alleged that she stepped on the crew member, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, slapped her repeatedly, and struck her with footwear. Another crew member who tried to intervene was also slapped.
The situation escalated when Emmanson allegedly attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, posing a serious safety risk to the aircraft. Even after being restrained by Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security, she allegedly continued the assault, slapping the airline’s ground supervisor as well.
AON described the attack as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger conduct in 2025, commending Ibom Air for its swift handling of the situation.
The association also cited previous incidents, including altercations involving Nigerian music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace flights, as examples of growing in-flight security concerns.
The operators’ body called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently review and strengthen airport security procedures nationwide We are committed to a zero tolerance policy towards unruly passengers.
While passengers have the right to express grievances, such actions must follow due process. Protecting our employees, passengers, and equipment remains our top priority,” the AON said.
Emmanson was reportedly arraigned and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos on Monday. The incident comes less than a week after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended Fuji musician KWAM 1 for six months over misconduct at Abuja airport.
