Ibom Air Limited has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on any form of unruly or violent behaviour that endangers the safety of passengers, crew members, or aircraft.
The airline warned that such conduct would attract the strongest possible sanctions, including legal action and permanent bans from its services.
In a press statement issued to journalists, the airline confirmed that an unruly passenger, captured in a viral video on August 10, 2025, was removed from an aircraft by its staff.
The incident occurred on a flight from Akwa Ibom State, in Nigeria’s South-South region, to Lagos, in the South-West. The passenger, identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson, reportedly engaged in behaviour that posed a significant threat to the safety of the crew, other passengers, and the aircraft.
According to Airline, “before takeoff from Uyo, Ms. Emmanson was instructed to turn off her mobile phone under standard aviation safety procedures. She initially refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement. Following this, a fellow passenger sitting next to her took the phone and switched it off.”
“The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled. After arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and proceeded to confront and attack the Purser, who had earlier instructed her to switch off her cellphone.
“She also attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft,” the Ibom Air said.
Upon arrival of Ibom Air, Security personnel did not deter the passenger, as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria FAAN security.
The passenger was removed from the ramp and taken into custody by FAAN security and handed over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation.
Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel restriction on Ms. Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of their aircraft.
It said; “We commend the bravery and professionalism of our crew in handling this situation under extremely challenging circumstances, as well as the swift support from airport security and the Nigerian Police.
The Airline reiterated that safety remains its highest priority and urged all passengers to comply with crew instructions at all times to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of everyone on board.