The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed an indefinite “No Fly” ban on a passenger accused of violently assaulting crew members on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The association said Comfort Emmanson’s behaviour on Flight Q9 303 on Sunday amounted to one of the most serious cases of passenger misconduct seen this year.
According to an AON statement signed by spokesperson Prof Obiora Okonkwo, the incident began when Ms Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during landing at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two. Attempts by crew and airport personnel to enforce safety protocols reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation, including what the AON described as an attempted use of a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that put the lives of crew, passengers and the aircraft at risk,” the statement read.
The AON praised Ibom Air for its swift and professional response and confirmed Ms Emmanson would not be allowed to board any aircraft operated by its members, either domestically or internationally.
The association called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to tighten airport security nationwide and warned that any future cases of similar behaviour would result in identical sanctions.
“While passengers have the right to air their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting staff, passengers and equipment, and upholding the highest safety standards,” AON added.
