Ibom Air Passenger Banned for Life After Assault; Keyamo Slams Release of Indecent Video

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed a lifetime ban on a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after she allegedly assaulted airline staff during an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

According to Ibom Air, the trouble began before take-off when Emmanson refused to switch off her phone, as required by aviation safety rules. A fellow passenger eventually turned it off, sparking a heated argument. Upon arrival in Lagos, the situation escalated, and Emmanson allegedly attacked the passenger and crew members.

AON described the incident as part of a worrying rise in unruly passenger behaviour, adding that Emmanson will no longer be allowed to fly on any member airline, locally or internationally.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, condemned both the assault and the public release of a video showing indecent exposure during the incident, calling it “totally unacceptable.”

He ordered that the staff responsible for leaking the video be sanctioned and stressed the need for better staff training in handling tense situations.

Keyamo also confirmed that Emmanson has been arraigned in court and remanded at Kirikiri Prison after failing to meet bail conditions. He warned travellers that there are proper channels for addressing grievances, and taking the law into one’s own hands will lead to severe consequences.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also issued a warning, stating that acts of violence or disorder at airports will no longer be tolerated and will attract strict legal penalties.