The recent viral video showing a clash between a female passenger and an Ibom Air flight attendant has stirred nationwide outrage, with the passenger at the centre of the controversy, Comfort Emmanson, now speaking out about the humiliation and trauma she continues to endure.
Emmanson, who was arrested after the altercation on August 10 during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, said she has been left devastated after being stripped, filmed, and publicly shamed in an incident that quickly spread across social media platforms.
According to her account, the confrontation began when a crew member, identified as Juliana, ordered her to switch off her devices before takeoff. Emmanson explained that one of her phones had a faulty power button, and while another passenger eventually assisted her, the attendant allegedly threatened her, saying: “You will see.”
The situation took a dramatic turn after the aircraft landed in Lagos. While attempting to disembark, Emmanson claimed she was stopped by the same attendant, prompting her to begin recording the exchange. She alleged that the crew member attacked her, dragging off her wig, tearing her clothes, smashing her phone, and leaving her half-naked.
“She pulled my hair, my clothes ripped, my jewellery broke, and my phone was destroyed,” Emmanson recalled tearfully. “I reacted out of anger and poked her, but I would never have done that if she hadn’t hurt me first.”
Airport security officers intervened but, according to Emmanson, handled the situation harshly. She said she was dragged off the plane while partially unclothed, with dozens of bystanders recording the spectacle. The clips soon went viral, amplifying her humiliation.
“The shame is unbearable,” she said. “I work in real estate, and now I can’t even face my clients. People send me screenshots and stickers of my naked body. My dignity has been destroyed.”
Despite her ordeal, Emmanson expressed gratitude to those who supported her after her arrest and court arraignment, noting that she eventually secured bail.
The incident has triggered heated debates online, with many Nigerians criticizing Ibom Air’s handling of the matter and calling for accountability from both the airline and security officials.