A passenger identified as Comfort Emmanson has been remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Lagos, after being charged to court for physically assaulting a crew member on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The incident, which sparked outrage after a video went viral, occurred before the aircraft’s departure from Uyo. According to Ibom Air, Emmanson refused to comply with safety protocols requiring passengers to switch off their mobile phones before take-off.
The situation escalated when a fellow passenger turned off the device, prompting a heated verbal exchange.
Upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson reportedly confronted the Purser who had earlier instructed her to switch off the phone, slapping her multiple times.
The airline further alleged that she attempted to seize a fire extinguisher, an act they say could have endangered passengers, crew, and the aircraft itself.
Following the assault, Ibom Air announced an indefinite ban on the passenger. Aviation authorities have also reiterated their commitment to stricter enforcement against unruly conduct, warning that such incidents have been on the rise across Nigerian airports.
Her arrest and court appearance were confirmed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
This development comes on the heels of another high-profile disruption involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, who recently attempted to prevent a ValueJet aircraft from taking off after being deboarded.
