A magistrate court in Ogba, Lagos, has ordered the remand of Comfort Emmanson at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over allegations of assaulting airline staff and damaging property during an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. She is to remain in custody until October 6, 2025.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by Presiding Magistrate O.O. Salami, shortly after Emmanson was arraigned by the police.
Charges and Allegations
Court documents show that Emmanson is facing five counts relating to assault, public disturbance, and wilful property damage. According to the charge sheet, she allegedly:
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Raised her voice, hurled insults, and assaulted crew members after landing in Lagos.
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Refused to disembark from the aircraft despite repeated instructions.
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Slapped Juliana Edward and struck her on the cheek with her right hand — acts said to violate Sections 170(1)(a)(b) and 172 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
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Hit another passenger, Jokpame Sagun, in the face with her slippers.
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Wilfully damaged an aircraft divider curtain valued at $2,500, belonging to Ibom Air.
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Tore a braided wig worth ₦110,000, property of Juliana Edward.
The prosecution maintains that these acts breach the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Byelaw, 2005 and several provisions of Lagos State’s criminal code.
Incident on Board
Viral social media videos from the incident show an irate Emmanson confronting and physically attacking flight attendants, while also resisting attempts by airport security to calm the situation.
Ibom Air, in an official statement, explained that the altercation began shortly before takeoff in Uyo. Crew members had instructed Emmanson to switch off her mobile phone in line with standard aviation safety procedures. When she refused, the passenger seated next to her powered off the device, reportedly triggering her angry outburst.
Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly approached the purser who had earlier given the safety instruction and physically assaulted her. The airline described her actions as “a serious threat to the safety of crew, passengers, and the aircraft.”
Airline’s Response
In response to the incident, Ibom Air announced that Emmanson has been placed on a permanent no-fly list, barring her from boarding any of its flights in the future.
The case continues as the court prepares for the next hearing in October, with Emmanson remaining in custody until then.
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