A newly surfaced video has shed light on the moments leading up to the arrest and remand of Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
The footage, filmed by Emmanson herself, shows an air hostess standing at the aircraft’s exit, appearing to block her way after other passengers had already disembarked.
“Madam, abeg comot for road make I pass, everybody don comot for the aircraft, comot for road make I pass,” Emmanson can be heard saying. Turning the camera to herself, she adds: “Una don see wahala, I want to go out, an air hostess is standing on the way.”
The clip has since gone viral on social media, adding new context to the incident.
In a statement, Ibom Air explained that the Purser was instructed to hold Emmanson at the door until security arrived, following a report from the Pilot-in-Command about her alleged unruly behaviour on board.
“The arrival of our security team did not deter the passenger,” the airline said. “She attacked them, striking security personnel, and was forcibly removed from the aircraft. Even after disembarking, she continued to assault our staff, including slapping the ground supervisor. She was then handed over to FAAN security and later the Nigeria Police Force.”
According to the airline, the confrontation began on a Uyo-to-Lagos flight when Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions. After another passenger switched it off following the pilot’s announcement, she reportedly launched into a verbal outburst before being calmed down and the flight proceeding as scheduled.
Upon landing in Lagos, she allegedly waited for other passengers to leave before confronting the Purser who had earlier instructed her.
Ibom Air has since banned Emmanson from flying with the carrier. Authorities have charged her to court, leading to her remand at Kirikiri Prison.
The case has sparked renewed debate over perceived double standards in aviation law enforcement, with critics comparing it to a recent airport incident involving Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), which ended with an apology rather than legal action.