Nigerians have begun to react to a recent decision of a Nigerian domestic carrier, Ibom Air, to impose a lifetime ban on passenger Comfort Emmanson following an alleged violent incident aboard a Uyo-to-Lagos flight.
The airline, in a statement on Monday, said the unruly passenger won’t be permitted to fly on any of its aircraft from now on.
According to the statement, the ban came after Emmanson’s alleged assault on a crew member.
Ibom Air claimed that the incident began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, despite repeated crew instructions.
Ibom Air explained that after a fellow passenger intervened to turn off the device, Emmanson unleashed a verbal tirade, which escalated upon landing in Lagos.
According to Ibom Air’s statement, she physically assaulted the purser, tearing off her wig, throwing her glasses, and slapping her multiple times.
Emmanson was said to have allegedly attacked another crew member and attempted to wield a fire extinguisher, an act that could have damaged the aircraft.
Ibom Air said: “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, threw them to the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.
“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.
“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.”
Meanwhile, several individuals commended the airline’s action, emphasizing the importance of enforcing safety protocols.
Below are some of the reactions;
This incident follows a similar case involving Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate, banned for six months by the NCAA for unruly behavior at Abuja airport.
