The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has taken a firm stand against unruly passenger behaviour by placing Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger involved in a physical assault on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos, on its indefinite ‘No Fly’ list. This decisive action comes amid growing concerns over passenger misconduct and airline safety protocols.
In a statement released Monday, AON spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo confirmed that Emmanson had physically assaulted airline officials and a fellow passenger during the August 10 flight. The airline body stressed that such behaviour compromises the safety and security of crew members and passengers, and as a result, Emmanson is banned from flying with any AON member airline indefinitely — domestically and internationally.
The statement read:
“We condemn the violent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos. Effective immediately, Ms. Emmanson is placed on the ‘No Fly’ list for life. Such incidents of unruly conduct have become far too frequent, with previous cases including Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and Senator Adams Oshiomhole.”
Ibom Air provided further context, explaining that the incident began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, a mandatory safety protocol in compliance with international civil aviation regulations. Another passenger took the phone and powered it off, triggering Emmanson’s verbal outburst.
Upon arrival in Lagos, she escalated the situation by physically assaulting the passenger who had intervened, prompting the airline to impose a permanent travel restriction barring her from future flights on Ibom Air.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, condemned the viral circulation of a video showing indecent exposure of Emmanson during the altercation. While supporting the use of video evidence for prosecution, Keyamo called the release of such footage for public ridicule “totally unacceptable.”
In a statement on his official social media account, Keyamo said:
“We support filming her unruly behaviour for evidence, but the indecent exposure clip is deplorable and an affront to womanhood. I have directed a thorough investigation to identify and sanction the staff responsible for releasing this footage.”
Keyamo also emphasized the need for improved staff training in handling disruptive passengers, instructing airlines to regularly retrain personnel in public relations and conflict de-escalation.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) backed the indefinite ban, while the Airport Police Command swiftly arraigned Emmanson at the Ikeja Magistrates Court. Due to her inability to meet bail conditions, she was remanded at Kirikiri Prisons.
Keyamo urged passengers to utilize official grievance channels instead of resorting to violence or disruption, highlighting the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate as a resource.
In a related development, FAAN condemned the rising trend of unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports. Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, stated:
“Such conduct is unacceptable and will attract strict sanctions under aviation laws. Safety and order must be maintained for all travellers.”
Passenger misconduct remains a critical challenge for Nigeria’s aviation sector, impacting safety, operational efficiency, and public confidence. This incident underscores the importance of compliance with safety regulations and respectful behaviour onboard flights.
The decisive actions by AON, NCAA, and law enforcement signal a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and disorder, aligning with global aviation standards.