Comfort Emmanson Laments Trauma, Shame After Ibom Air Clash Goes Viral

Comfort Emmanson has lamented the trauma and shame she experienced after a widely publicized clash with Ibom Air officials went viral.

The incident occurred on August 10, 2025, during a flight from Uyo to Lagos when Emmanson had an altercation with the airline’s hostess over her refusal to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff.

Following the dispute, she was forcibly dragged off the aircraft by security officials, stripped partially naked, and subsequently imprisoned at Kirikiri Correctional Facility.

Her father, Godwin Emmanson Mbok, expressed deep anguish over the humiliation his daughter suffered, condemning the public circulation of videos showing her naked exposure and questioning the lack of intervention or justice from the state government. He described the ordeal as a deliberate act to tarnish his family’s image and called for compensation for the psychological and financial damage caused.

Comfort Emmanson, upon her release after the charges were withdrawn, recounted her experience, describing the verbal abuse and physical assault she faced from the airline staff.

She explained how the flashing of her phone to flight mode triggered the confrontation and how she was called derogatory names. She spoke emotionally about the pain endured during the dragging incident and the trauma of having her private image shared widely on social media.

The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, condemned the release of the footage showing Comfort’s treatment and promised sanctions for those responsible. The charges against her were dropped, and the lifetime flying ban imposed by Ibom Air was lifted.

The incident also prompted the government to plan retraining sessions for aviation security personnel on handling difficult passengers appropriately.

Comfort Emmanson expressed gratitude to those who supported her during this ordeal and shared that she is trying to cope with the aftermath of the incident, which has had a lasting impact on her well-being and reputation.