Comfort Emmason, the Ibom Air passenger whose confrontation with a flight attendant went viral last week, has spoken out, insisting she never intended to cause trouble.
In a video statement shared on Instagram on Sunday, shortly after her release from detention, Emmason thanked Nigerians for their support.
“When I came out, the love and support I saw from you people, I never expected it. For a commoner like me, you fought for me and stood by me. God Almighty will bless you,” she said.
Recounting the August 10, 2025, Uyo-to-Lagos flight, Emmason explained that tensions began when she was asked to switch off her phones.
“I was struggling to put my phone on flight mode. I told the flight attendant, Juliana, that one of my phones had a faulty power button. She insisted I could still switch it off. A fellow passenger eventually helped me, and I switched off both phones,” she said.
She claimed the issue resurfaced after landing in Lagos.
“When we landed, I was pressed, so I went to use the toilet. By the time I came out, passengers had left. As I rushed to carry my things, Juliana stopped me with a hostile face. That was when I brought out my phone and started recording,” she recounted.
Emmason alleged that the situation escalated when the attendant realised she was being recorded.
“She pushed me back inside the aircraft and dragged my wig and gold necklace. My phone fell and broke. The pain of my wig being yanked was too much. That was when I poked her and asked, ‘Why did you do that?’”
According to her, the confrontation turned violent when other airline staff and security operatives joined in.
“As they dragged me out, they tore my clothes. My body was exposed while they recorded me. Some even tried to touch me. I never expected that my nakedness would be shared on social media,” she said tearfully.
She described the incident as humiliating and traumatic, adding that it has left lasting scars on her personal and professional life.
“As I speak to you now, I cannot go out. My body is already out there. Some people have even turned it into stickers. How do I face clients in my real estate business? How do I face people knowing they’ve seen my nakedness?” she lamented.
Emmason stressed that she is not a troublemaker, saying she only reacted after being provoked and physically assaulted.
“I am a peaceful person. People who know me can testify. I never refused to switch off my phone; I only asked for help because of the faulty button,” she said, adding that she is still receiving medical treatment.
“I pray I recover fully and return to my normal lifestyle,” she concluded.
