In a dramatic turn of events following last week’s controversy aboard an Ibom Air flight, air passenger Comfort Emmanson has publicly apologised for her actions, while also demanding accountability for what she described as “the indignity and public shaming” she suffered.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025, during a scheduled flight between Uyo and Lagos, reportedly began with a disagreement over phone use during safety procedures. According to Emmanson, her attempt to switch her device to flight mode escalated into a heated confrontation with a crew member.
Media reports and statements by the airline alleged that, she assaulted a flight attendant and was subsequently removed from the aircraft by security operatives.
However, Emmanson, in her press release posted by a social media influencer, Ofonime Honesty disputed aspects of that account admitting that, emotions ran high but denied condoning violence.
“I acknowledge that emotions ran high and that I could have handled myself better. Airplanes are safety-critical environments, and crew instructions matter. If my words or actions contributed to disorder on board, I am sorry for that,” she stated.
Emmanson, however, expressed dismay over how the situation was handled on the ground in Lagos, saying she was forcibly restrained, disheveled, and filmed, leaving her exposed in viral clips that circulated online.
She insisted that, no passenger should be subjected to such humiliation, regardless of conflict.
“What I cannot accept is the indignity and public shaming that followed. Being forcibly exposed and filmed, with clips posted online, crossed a line,” she said, while acknowledging the Nigerian Bar Association’s condemnation of her treatment.
Comfort, was briefly remanded after being taken into custody, but on August 13, the Federal Government ordered the withdrawal of the case against her. Initially placed on a lifetime no-fly list, Emmanson confirmed that multiple airlines have since lifted the ban following government’s review.
Going forward, she called for a balanced and independent review of the incident and urged for clearer guidelines that both enforce air safety and protect passengers’ dignity. She also appealed for civility in public discourse, stressing that she remains open to cooperating with investigators.
“I ask the public to allow the process to work and to avoid threats or harassment toward anyone involved. Safety and human dignity can, and must coexist,” Emmanson emphasized.
The incident has sparked nationwide debate over passenger rights, crew authority, and the ethics of filming individuals under restraint.
While Emmanson has apologized for her role, calls for reform in Nigeria’s aviation sector continue to intensify.
