Ibom Airlines Limited has imposed a lifetime flying ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, following her physical assault on a cabin crew member during a flight.
The incident, which was captured in a viral video, involved Emmanson repeatedly slapping a purser after being asked to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff on a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
In an official statement on Monday, the airline confirmed that the altercation took place on Sunday. According to the airline, Emmanson ignored multiple safety instructions until another passenger intervened and switched off her phone. She reacted with a verbal outburst, but the situation was managed, and the flight proceeded as scheduled.
However, upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly waited for other passengers to disembark before launching a violent attack on the purser—stepping on her, snatching her wig and glasses, throwing them to the floor, and repeatedly slapping her. She also assaulted another crew member who tried to intervene.
The airline further revealed that Emmanson attempted to remove a fire extinguisher, seemingly to use as a weapon, calling the act a clear intent to cause damage and potentially ground the aircraft.
