Ibom Air Passenger Remanded in Kirikiri Prison for Assaulting Flight Crew

By our reporter

A passenger aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos has been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre after allegedly assaulting multiple airline crew members and attempting to attack airport security personnel.

The accused, identified as Comfort Emmanson, was arraigned before a Lagos court following a violent altercation that occurred during and after the flight. According to reports, the incident began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off, despite repeated safety instructions from the cabin crew.

Tensions escalated mid-flight and, upon arrival in Lagos, the situation turned physical. Emmanson allegedly attacked the flight’s purser—stepping on her, tearing off her wig and glasses, and repeatedly slapping her in front of other passengers. She then reportedly assaulted another crew member who attempted to intervene.

Witness accounts and official statements indicate that the accused tried to seize a fire extinguisher, apparently to use it as a weapon, before airport security intervened. However, she allegedly assaulted the security personnel as well, causing further disruption at the arrival gate.

Following the incident, Ibom Air issued a formal complaint to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and placed Emmanson on its no-fly list, effectively banning her from future travel on the airline. The NCAA has also condemned the act and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unruly passenger behavior, warning of stiffer penalties for those who compromise flight safety.

Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the court’s ruling, saying the accused is now “cooling off in Kirikiri.”

The case has reignited discussions about passenger discipline, aviation safety, and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations.