Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised the public release of an indecent video showing Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted a crew member on Sunday.
Keyamo stated that while recording her disruptive behaviour for evidentiary purposes was justified, releasing footage containing indecent exposure to the public was “deplorable” and “totally unacceptable.” He said he had ordered that the staff member responsible for making the footage public be identified and sanctioned.
“We will not fold our arms and tolerate the debasing of womanhood,” the minister said, stressing that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action. He also directed airlines to intensify training in public relations and conflict resolution to prevent or defuse similar incidents before they escalate, except in unavoidable circumstances.
Keyamo disclosed that a joint security meeting involving relevant agencies would be convened next week to improve coordination in handling such situations. He advised passengers with genuine grievances to seek redress through established procedures, noting that the Consumer Protection Directorate of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has repeatedly publicised these avenues.
According to him, passengers who engage in disruptive conduct face strict penalties, including lengthy flight bans, alongside possible legal action by law enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Emmanson, prohibiting her from boarding flights operated by any AON member domestically or internationally. The sanction, announced by AON spokesperson Obiora Okonkwo on Monday, takes immediate effect.
Ibom Air had earlier placed its own travel restriction on Emmanson following the alleged assault on crew members aboard the Uyo–Lagos flight. Viral videos captured her slapping a flight attendant as security personnel attempted to restrain her.
The airline explained that prior to take-off from Uyo, Emmanson was asked to switch off her mobile phone but refused until another passenger intervened. This led to a heated verbal exchange that was eventually calmed, allowing the flight to depart.
However, upon landing in Lagos, Emmanson allegedly waited for other passengers to disembark before confronting the purser who had instructed her earlier. According to Ibom Air, she stepped on the crew member, forcibly removed her wig and glasses, threw them on the floor, and used her footwear to assault her.
What you should know
Comfort Emmanson is facing legal action after allegedly attacking an Ibom Air crew member on a Uyo–Lagos flight. While the incident was recorded as evidence, the Aviation Minister condemned the public release of footage showing indecent exposure.
Alongside criminal proceedings, Emmanson now faces a lifetime ban from all Airline Operators of Nigeria members, in addition to Ibom Air’s own restrictions.
