Ibom Air has announced a permanent travel ban on a passenger, Comfort Emmanson, after a violent incident onboard its Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday.
The airline said in a statement on Monday that the passenger’s conduct posed “a serious threat” to the safety of the crew, passengers and aircraft.
According to the statement, Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off despite repeated instructions from the Purser.
She only complied after the pilot made an announcement and a fellow passenger beside her switched it off.
The action triggered a verbal outburst from her, but the situation was calmed and the flight departed on schedule.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the passenger waited for other travellers to disembark before confronting the Purser.
Ibom Air said she stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, assaulted her with footwear and slapped her several times.
Another cabin crew member who tried to intervene was also slapped.
The airline further alleged that Emmanson attempted to remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act that could have damaged and grounded the aircraft.
By the time airport security arrived, the Purser had prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft.
However, Emmanson allegedly attacked Ibom Air security personnel and after being restrained and removed from the aircraft, she continued the assault on the tarmac, slapping the ground supervisor before being forcefully dragged into a bus.
She was later taken into custody by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) security and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
Ibom Air said it had reported the matter to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards unruly and violent behaviour.
“Such behavior will be met with the strongest possible response, including legal action and permanent restriction from our services,” the airline said, commending its crew for their bravery and professionalism in the face of the incident.