Lagos, Nigeria – 11 August 2025
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime ‘no fly’ ban on a passenger accused of assaulting cabin crew during a domestic flight, highlighting growing concerns over unruly behaviour in the aviation sector.
Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on 10 August 2025, allegedly refused to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage. According to a statement from the AON, the incident escalated into a physical assault on crew members, with Emmanson attempting to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
“We condemn the violent incident involving Ms Comfort Emmanson,” the AON said in its official release. “This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that placed the lives of crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft itself at risk. This behaviour is unacceptable.”
The organisation commended Ibom Air for its swift and professional handling of the situation and fully endorsed the actions taken. As a result, Emmanson has been placed on the AON’s ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely, barring her from travelling with any AON member airline, whether domestically or internationally.
The AON highlighted that such incidents are becoming increasingly common, citing recent cases involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and the unruly behaviour of Senator Adams Oshiomhole towards staff of Air Peace.
“This incident exposes the vulnerabilities in the security response by the Aviation Security (AVSEC),” the statement added. The AON has urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to immediately review and tighten security procedures at all airports across the country.
Standing united with Ibom Air and its members, the AON reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passengers. “Going forward, anyone who exhibits such behaviour will suffer similar consequences,” it warned. “While we recognise the rights of passengers to express their grievances, such actions must follow due process. We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, equipment and to maintaining the highest safety standards.”
The statement was signed by Prof Obiora Okonkwo (OFR), spokesperson for the AON.
This ban comes amid broader efforts by Nigerian aviation authorities to address passenger misconduct, which has been linked to delays, safety risks, and operational challenges in the industry. Ibom Air has not issued a separate comment on the matter but is understood to be cooperating fully with the AON’s directive.
