KEY POINTS
- Ibom Air altercation prompts staff sanctions and policy review.
- The passenger has been banned indefinitely from all flights.
- The minister orders retraining and better security coordination.
Nigeria’s aviation minister has ordered sanctions against airline staff who leaked a video showing the indecent exposure of a passenger involved in a violent mid-air altercation, calling the incident a breach of professional conduct and dignity.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stated on Monday that the August 10 confrontation aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos pointed to the need for stricter safety enforcement and enhanced staff training. The clash erupted after passenger Comfort Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, refused to switch off her mobile phone during takeoff, violating aviation safety rules.
According to the airline, the dispute escalated into physical assaults on both crew members and ground staff. Authorities have since imposed an indefinite ban on Emmanson, covering domestic and international flights.
Ibom Air altercation prompts safety and conduct review
The Ibom Air altercation has spurred a wide-ranging review of aviation security procedures. Keyamo said the police arraigned Emmanson on criminal charges at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, where she was remanded at Kirikiri Prison after failing to meet bail conditions.
While commending the use of video evidence for prosecution, he condemned its public release, describing it as “totally unacceptable” and “debasing to womanhood.” He directed that the staff responsible be identified and sanctioned.
Training and coordination to prevent future incidents
According to BusinessDay, Keyamo also instructed airlines to retrain personnel in public relations and conflict de-escalation, adding that a joint security meeting will be held next week to improve inter-agency coordination. He urged aggrieved passengers to channel complaints through the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate rather than resorting to violence.
The minister warned that future breaches of conduct by passengers would attract stiff penalties, including long-term flight bans and criminal prosecution.
