Trouble broke out aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos when a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, allegedly assaulted crew members, prompting the Airline Operators of Nigeria to impose a permanent no-fly ban on her.
Viral videos showed the passenger lashing slaps on one of the airline’s flight attendant, even as security officials tried to restrain her.
According to a statement issued on Monday by AON spokesperson, Mr. Obiora Okonkwo.
The association said the measure was necessary to deter future incidents that could compromise flight safety.
It warned that any passenger who engages in similar acts of violence or disorder would face the same sanction, in addition to possible legal prosecution.
“She bluntly refused to comply until the Pilot-in-Command made an announcement, after which a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off.
“This action prompted a verbal tirade from Ms. Emmanson. The situation was eventually calmed, and the flight departed as scheduled.
“Upon arrival in Lagos, Ms. Emmanson waited for all other passengers to disembark and then proceeded to confront the Purser who had earlier instructed her. She walked up to the unsuspecting Purser, stepped on her, forcibly tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw it to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her,” the airline said.
“She slapped her several times and when the other cabin crew member tried to intervene, she slapped her too. She then attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.
“The arrival of Ibom Air Security personnel, did not deter the passenger as she attacked them as well, lashing out violently at both Ibom Air and FAAN security. She was then restrained and removed from the aircraft by force. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault both Ibom Air and FAAN security staff, and even slapped the ground supervisor,” it added.
