AON Bans Comfort Emmanson for Life After Assaulting Ibom Air Crew

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has indefinitely placed Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger who assaulted airline officials on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, on its ‘No Fly’ list.

The announcement was made on Monday in a statement by the AON’s spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.

The statement confirmed that Emmanson was responsible for the assault on crew members and emphasized that the ban is indefinite.

“We condemn the violent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025,” the statement read.

“Effective immediately, the AON has placed Ms. Emmanson on its ‘No Fly’ list indefinitely. She is hereby banned from flying with any AON member airline, both domestically and internationally, for life.”

The statement further highlighted that such unruly behavior has become increasingly common, referencing recent incidents involving Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s misconduct towards Air Peace staff.

A video circulating on social media showed Emmanson aggressively attacking a flight attendant aboard the Ibom Air plane and confronting airport security officials.

Ibom Air, in a statement released Monday, explained that the incident began shortly before takeoff from Uyo when Emmanson refused to comply with standard aviation safety rules by refusing to switch off her mobile phone.

According to the airline, a fellow passenger seated beside her took the phone and switched it off, which triggered a verbal outburst from Emmanson.

Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly physically assaulted the crew member who had earlier instructed her to turn off the phone.

Ibom Air stated that her behavior posed a serious threat to the safety of the crew, passengers, and aircraft.

As a result, the airline imposed a travel ban on Emmanson, declaring that she would no longer be permitted to fly on any of its aircraft.