A Nigerian domestic carrier, Ibom Air, has barred a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, from boarding any of its flights after she physically assaulted members of its cabin crew and security staff.
The airline, in a statement on Monday, said Emmanson’s name has been placed on its internal no-fly list following the violent incident that occurred on its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday.
“She will not be permitted to travel on any Ibom Air flight going forward,” the statement read. “The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security, then handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.”
Viral videos from the Lagos airport showed Emmanson slapping one of the flight attendants repeatedly, even as security personnel tried to restrain her.
Ibom Air explained that trouble began before take-off from Uyo when Emmanson refused instructions to switch off her phone. She only complied after the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement and another passenger switched it off on her behalf, sparking a verbal outburst from her.
According to the airline, she confronted the Purser upon arrival in Lagos, stepping on her, tearing off her wig and glasses, and using her footwear to assault her. She also slapped another crew member who intervened, and attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon.
The airline said she later attacked both Ibom Air and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security staff, slapping the ground supervisor before being restrained.
A detailed report of the incident has been forwarded to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for further action.
The incident comes just days after Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, was sanctioned by the NCAA over unruly conduct at the Abuja airport.
