…As AON, Ibom Air slam lifetime ‘No-Fly’ ban on passenger over in-flight assault
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reaffirmed that the six-month flight suspension placed on Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), remains in effect, despite his public apology.
The decision comes as authorities respond to a troubling rise in passenger misconduct, most recently involving a violent altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight, which has now resulted in a lifetime ban for the offending passenger.
Comfort Emmanson, a passenger aboard Ibom Air’s Q9 303 flight from Uyo to Lagos on 10 August 2025, has been permanently barred from flying on any Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) member airline, following what authorities described as one of the most severe cases of in-flight aggression in recent memory.
AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, confirmed the decision on Monday, noting that Emmanson’s conduct posed a serious threat to passenger safety, crew wellbeing, and the operational integrity of the aircraft. He commended Ibom Air for its swift handling of the incident and reiterated the association’s zero-tolerance stance on disruptive behaviour.
According to Ibom Air’s official report, the confrontation began before take-off when Emmanson refused multiple instructions to switch off her mobile phone, in line with standard aviation protocol. It reportedly took a cabin announcement from the Pilot-in-Command and the intervention of another passenger before the device was switched off.
Though tensions initially subsided and the flight departed on schedule, matters escalated dramatically upon arrival in Lagos. Emmanson allegedly waited for all passengers to disembark before physically attacking the flight’s Purser, who had earlier issued the phone directive.
She is reported to have stepped on the crew member, pulled off her wig and glasses, threw them to the floor, and repeatedly struck her with her footwear. Another crew member who tried to intervene was also assaulted.
Ibom Air added that Emmanson then attempted to remove a fire extinguisher from the aircraft’s interior, an act that raised further safety concerns.
Despite security being alerted, she allegedly continued her aggression on the ground, slapping the airline’s supervisor and lashing out at other personnel before being restrained and handed over to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and subsequently the Nigeria Police Force.
The airline has since issued a permanent ban on Emmanson and filed a formal report with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Okonkwo, while addressing the incident, drew attention to a worrying trend of in-flight misbehaviour, citing previous cases involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and KWAM 1, who had been involved in a separate confrontation aboard a ValueJet aircraft.
He called on FAAN to strengthen Aviation Security (AVSEC) systems across all airports, stating that such lapses pose broader risks to aviation safety.
“The aviation community stands united in condemning this kind of behaviour. The safety and dignity of our crew and passengers must be preserved at all costs,” he said.
In a separate statement, Ibom Air commended its staff for managing the incident under exceptionally difficult conditions, and acknowledged the support of both airport security and the police. It reiterated its strict policy on safety and respect for flight regulations, warning that any similar conduct would attract immediate and severe consequences.
…FG confirms remand of passenger
The Federal Government has since confirmed that Comfort Emmanson has been arraigned and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos, pending further legal proceedings.
The media aide to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, shared the update via his official X handle. “The unruly passenger… is now cooling off in Kirikiri,” he wrote, stressing the importance of responsible conduct during air travel.
Minister Festus Keyamo had earlier directed the NCAA to implement a no-fly directive against KWAM 1 following reports that the musician physically blocked a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing. Keyamo described the incident as “akin to a hostage situation” and instructed that all airlines be informed of the sanction.
He cautioned that any carrier, domestic or international, that defies the order risks losing its operating licence.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, also confirmed the enforcement of the ban, stating that the musician’s apology does not nullify the consequences.
“The restriction remains in place. Aviation rules are there to protect all parties—crew and passengers alike—and must be adhered to without exception,” he stated.
He also noted that disciplinary processes have been initiated to address all sides of the incident, ensuring accountability is upheld across the board.
