A Lagos magistrate court has ordered the remand of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of violently assaulting crew members during a Uyo–Lagos flight, at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6, 2025.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, began before take-off when Emmanson allegedly refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone, in line with aviation safety rules. According to Ibom Air, a fellow passenger eventually intervened to turn off the device, triggering a verbal outburst from Emmanson. Although the situation was initially calmed and the flight departed as scheduled, tensions reignited after landing in Lagos.
The airline alleged that Emmanson waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the purser who had earlier instructed her to switch off the phone. She reportedly tore off the purser’s wig, removed her glasses, threw them to the floor, struck her with slippers, and slapped her multiple times. Another cabin crew member who intervened was also attacked, and Emmanson allegedly attempted to seize a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
The Pilot-in-Command called airport security, and viral videos from the scene show the purser preventing Emmanson from leaving the aircraft until help arrived. Even after security personnel from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Ibom Air intervened, the passenger allegedly slapped the airline’s ground supervisor and continued her violent behaviour before being forcibly removed and handed over to the police.
A charge sheet presented in court on Monday detailed five counts against Emmanson, including assault, wilful damage to property, and refusal to disembark. She is accused of damaging an aircraft divider curtain valued at $2,500, tearing a wig worth ₦110,000, and assaulting two individuals — identified as Juliana Edward and Jokpame Segun — in violation of sections of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, and the FAAN Byelaw, 2005.
Following the incident, Ibom Air announced that Emmanson had been permanently banned from flying with the airline, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy for unruly conduct. The carrier stated that any behaviour endangering passengers, crew, or equipment would attract the strongest possible sanctions, including legal action.
However, the decision to place Emmanson on a “no-fly” list has drawn criticism. Abuja-based lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi argued that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) — a voluntary trade association — lacks the legal authority to impose such a ban. In a statement on X, he said only the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), under the Civil Aviation Act 2022, can issue and enforce nationwide flight restrictions.
Olajengbesi described the action as an affront to the Nigerian Constitution’s guarantee of freedom of movement and fair hearing, warning that “hasty arraignment” without proper defence preparation undermines the rule of law. “In every dispute, there are always two sides to the coin… Justice must remain the bedrock of our society; anything less is an invitation to lawlessness,” he added.
The case has been adjourned to October 6 for further hearing.