BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, for what it described as one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour recorded in 2025.
The incident occurred on August 10 aboard Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos. According to the airline’s account, Ms. Emmanson refused to comply with standard safety instructions on switching off her mobile phone during landing.
The situation escalated into a violent confrontation in which she physically assaulted crew members and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk.
“This behaviour is unacceptable. Therefore, effective immediately, the AON has placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely. She is hereby banned from flying with any AON member either domestically or internationally for life”, AON said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo.
The group commended Ibom Air for its swift and professional handling of the situation and fully endorsed the airline’s actions. It also drew attention to other recent high-profile incidents involving unruly behaviour, including the altercation between Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and ValueJet staff, as well as Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s confrontation with Air Peace personnel.
AON further expressed concern over gaps in airport security response. “This incident exposes the vulnerabilities in the security response by the Aviation Security (AVSEC). The AON urgently calls on FAAN to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country,” the statement read.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy, the AON warned that any future acts of violence or disruption aboard its members’ flights would attract similar lifetime bans. “While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process.
“We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, and equipment, and to maintaining the highest safety standards”, Okonkwo stated.
