Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been remanded to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre following a disruptive incident on board the aircraft. The episode, which quickly went viral on social media, has drawn national attention and stirred public debate.
According to reports from airline staff and eyewitnesses, the altercation began when Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during pre-flight safety instructions. Attempts by the cabin crew to enforce compliance reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation. Security personnel were called in to intervene.
Video footage captured at the scene shows Emmanson resisting removal from the aircraft, engaging in a heated exchange with officials, and at one point allegedly attempting to access the aircraft’s fire extinguisher. The incident caused a delay to the flight and led to concerns over onboard safety.
Following her arrest, Emmanson was arraigned before a magistrate court and subsequently ordered to be held in custody pending further investigation. Ibom Air has since issued a lifetime ban against her, citing violations of aviation safety rules and unacceptable passenger conduct. Additionally, the Airline Operators of Nigeria announced that she has been placed on a permanent no-fly list across all domestic carriers.
In an official statement, Ibom Air emphasized its commitment to maintaining safety and professionalism on all flights, adding that passenger behavior that threatens staff or disrupts operations would not be tolerated.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, and Emmanson is expected to return to court in the coming days. Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges will be filed.
As the case develops, it continues to generate significant public interest and raises questions about passenger conduct, aviation safety, and the responsibilities of both travelers and airline personnel in maintaining order aboard commercial flights.
