Comfort Emmanson Speaks After Release from Kirikiri

Unruly Passenger Incident on IBOM Air

On August 10, an altercation erupted aboard an IBOM Air flight en route from Uyo to Lagos involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson.

The airline reported that the situation began when she failed to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions a standard safety requirement.

The phone was only turned off by another passenger after the pilot made an announcement .

After landing in Lagos, the maid of the flap escalated when Emmanson approached the purser who had earlier given the instruction. She allegedly stepped on the purser, tore off her wig, removed her glasses and threw them to the ground, and assaulted her with her footwear. Additional reports indicated she also slapped several crew members and attempted to seize a fire extinguisher as a weapon.

Security personnel intervened and forcibly removed her from the aircraft amid viral footage showing a physical struggle. Emmanson was arrested and taken into police custody amid widespread attention.

IBOM Air promptly issued a lifetime ban against her, citing its zero-tolerance policy for violent behavior, while regulatory authorities emphasized the vital importance of following crew directives.

Civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the ban and her public treatment, calling for an independent investigation and more humane handling, asserting that some videos suggest possible provocation and undue humiliation.

An eyewitness, Senior Advocate David Ogebe, who was seated beside Emmanson during the flight, later described how the conflict began. According to him, Emmanson complied with the phone-off request once the instructions were clarified. However, he said the second hostess’s tone was unnecessarily harsh and humiliating, escalating the situation. Ogebe stressed that Emmanson did not refuse compliance, but reacted to mistreatment—a nuance that, in his view, was overlooked amid the controversy.

Government Intervention and Release

On August 13, the Federal Ministry of Aviation announced that after consultations and in light of remorse shown, the criminal complaint against Ms. Emmanson had been withdrawn. She was released from Kirikiri Prison and the indefinite flight ban was similarly lifted, following appeals and expressions of regret.

Shortly after her release, Comfort Emmanson issued an emotional message:

“Thank you so much for all the Prayers, Love, and support. I’ve been released from the Prison, but I’m still in pains due to how I was treated. I just need some rest and medical treatment before I give out my own version of the event. Thank you so much my Lovely Friends and Supporters. I really appreciate y’all from the bottom of my heart. God bless y’all. THANK YOU MY GREAT GOD!!!”