JUST IN: Unruly Ibom Air Passenger, Emmanson Remanded In Kirikiri

Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who assaulted airline officials aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been formally charged and remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison, government sources confirmed on Monday.

It is worth noting that the incident happened on August 10, 2025, inflight from Uyo when Emmanson refused to switch off her phone before takeoff—despite repeated instructions by cabin crew. A fellow passenger finally turned the device off, triggering her angry tirade.

Upon arrival in Lagos, she confronted the purser, physically assaulting her—tearing off her wig, smashing her glasses to the floor, stepping on her, and repeatedly slapping her. A second crew member who intervened was also struck.

Emmanson then attempted to remove a fire extinguisher as a weapon, an act that could have critically compromised the aircraft’s safety.

The pilot was said to had alerted airport security. Until they arrived, the purser held her in place.

But even after being restrained and removed from the aircraft, she continued to assault both Ibom Air security personnel and airport officials, including a ground supervisor.

JOURNEY TO KIRIKIRI PRISON

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Tunde Moshood, media adviser to the Minister of Aviation, confirmed on X that Emmanson “has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri.” The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also said it will tighten enforcement against passenger misbehavior.

In response, Ibom Air imposed a lifetime ban on Emmanson’s travels with the airline and lodged a report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The airline reiterated its “zero-tolerance policy” for unruly conduct that endangers safety.

Reacting to the incident, Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Affairs at the NCAA, urged passengers to adhere to common-sense safety instructions like switching off phones during takeoff and landing:

“Passengers need to understand they have responsibilities, not just rights.”

This case reflects growing concerns over increasing incidents of passenger misconduct in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

It underscores the urgent need for strict enforcement of safety rules and the importance of public compliance to ensure secure travel for all onboard.