Nigerians have expressed shock and condemnation over the handling of Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air staff and airport security following an incident on a Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10, 2025.
The airline said Emmanson initially refused repeated instructions from crew members to switch off her mobile phone before take-off. A fellow passenger reportedly turned off the phone on her behalf, prompting a verbal tirade from Emmanson. Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly confronted and physically assaulted the purser who had earlier given the instruction.
Ibom Air described her behaviour as a serious threat to the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft, and subsequently banned her from flying on any of its planes.
However, public outrage intensified after a viral video showed Emmanson partially exposed as airport security officials allegedly dragged her off the plane. Many Nigerians criticised the airline for failing to protect her dignity.
X users expressed anger:
-
@EdmundAkins wrote: “It could be depression or something. Her mental state is obviously altered. I expect the female airline staff to do more to protect her dignity. They could use a cover cloth at least.”
-
@Krisabah said: “Why deliberately pull up her top to reveal her breast and still share the picture? This embarrassment outdid everything you had on the poor girl. Bloody perverts.”
-
@Idyllicjay added: “Much as I detest what the passenger did, stripping her naked is even more wicked and whoever did this should be summarily dismissed.”
-
@Jimianthony23 commented: “This is wrong… totally wrong. They should have handcuffed her rather than stripping her naked. This video can aid her defence in court if she’s prosecuted.”
SaharaReporters confirmed that Emmanson has been charged to court and is currently remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Facility. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the court proceedings via X, urging the flying public to exercise caution amid rising incidents of unruly passenger behaviour.
“The more reason the flying public should be more careful, the unruly passenger on Uyo–Lagos bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson has been charged to court and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri,” Moshood stated.
READ MORE:
Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya Calls for Justice in Comfort Emmanson–Ibom Air Incident
