The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, after a violent incident aboard flight Q9 303 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, announced the sanction on Monday, following a review of Ibom Air’s detailed incident report. He commended the airline for its swift and professional handling of the situation, endorsing the penalties already enforced.
According to the report, Ms. Emmanson initially refused to comply with safety instructions regarding mobile phone usage. The confrontation escalated into what Okonkwo described as a “brutal physical assault” on crew members. She allegedly attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon — an act he called “one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour in 2025.”
“This was not just disruptive; it was a sustained, violent attack that endangered crew, passengers, and the integrity of the aircraft. Such behaviour is unacceptable,” Okonkwo stated.
Effective immediately, Ms. Emmanson is banned for life from flying with any AON member airline, both domestically and internationally. Okonkwo noted that the industry has recently seen similar incidents, citing the cases involving musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on ValueJet and Senator Adams Oshiomhole on Air Peace.
The AON also highlighted weaknesses in Aviation Security (AVSEC) responses, urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to tighten airport security measures nationwide.
“AON stands united in maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for unruly passengers. While passengers have the right to express grievances, such actions must follow due process,” Okonkwo stressed.
“We are committed to protecting our employees, passengers, and equipment while upholding the highest safety standards.”
