Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has condemned the assault on Ibom Air staff by a passenger during a Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10.
In a statement on his verified X handle, Keyamo described the incident involving Ms Comfort Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, as part of “a string of unacceptable disruptions” in the aviation sector and vowed stronger coordination and sanctions.
Airline and security sources said the altercation began after the passenger refused to comply with flight-safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone. The situation reportedly escalated into physical attacks on cabin crew and ground staff.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed an indefinite domestic and international flight ban on the passenger. She was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet bail conditions.
Keyamo said he had spoken directly with senior aviation and security officials, including the Airport Police Commissioner, the NCAA Director-General, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) management, and Ibom Air executives. He confirmed that the Police acted swiftly.
“Apart from the indefinite flight ban imposed on the said unruly passenger (both local and international) by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) the Police has promptly arraigned her this morning at the Ikeja Magistrates Court for criminal offences and remanded her at Kirikiri Prisons,” he posted.
While condemning the assault, Keyamo criticised the public release of video footage showing the woman in an indecent state.
“Whilst we support the filming of her recalcitrant behaviour as evidence to prosecute her, what is DEPLORABLE is to release such evidence containing indecent exposure to the public to ridicule her.
“That is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE to us,” he said, directing that those responsible for releasing the clip be identified and sanctioned.
The minister also ordered airlines to improve staff training in public relations and conflict management, and announced plans for a joint security meeting among relevant agencies to strengthen coordination in handling disruptive passengers.
“I have also directed the airlines must continue to train and retrain their staff in public relations and how to deal with potentially explosive situations,” he said.
Keyamo reminded travellers that formal channels exist for complaints and warned against taking the law into their own hands.
“For genuinely aggrieved passengers, there are clearly laid-down remedies to address grievances. There is no point trying to take the laws into one’s hands that may lead to dire consequences,” he said, adding that lengthy flight bans and criminal referrals will be enforced where necessary.
The case has sparked national debate on passenger behaviour and the handling of such incidents. While the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Ibom Air have backed a zero-tolerance policy for onboard violence, civil-liberties advocates have criticised the public humiliation of the passenger through viral videos.
According to Keyamo, “We will continue to apply equal sanctions available to us in Aviation on any such erring passengers, that is lengthy flight bans and report the matters to other law-enforcement agencies to do their bit within their powers.”
