Keyamo reads riot act on aviation safety, says ‘enough is enough’
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the violent conduct of a female passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson (also known as Comfort Bob), on an Ibom Air flight, directing strict sanctions to safeguard aviation safety and security.
The incident occurred on August 10, 2025, aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos at about 2:54 p.m. According to the airline, the passenger refused to switch off her phone during take-off in violation of International Civil Aviation Regulations, leading to a confrontation with the crew. Viral videos later showed her physically assaulting both flight crew and ground staff.
Keyamo said he had engaged the Commissioner of Police at the Airport Police Command, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Ibom Air’s management to address the matter.
The NCAA has imposed an indefinite domestic and international flight ban on the passenger, while police arraigned her at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Monday. She was remanded at Kirikiri Prison after failing to provide adequate sureties.
The minister expressed concern over a scuffle between the passenger and ground personnel before she was subdued, condemning the release of video footage showing indecent exposure. He described the act as “totally unacceptable” and ordered sanctions against any staff responsible for leaking the footage.
Keyamo also directed airlines to intensify training for staff on public relations and conflict de-escalation, and announced a joint security meeting next week to improve coordination in managing such incidents.
He reminded passengers that the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate provides formal channels to resolve grievances, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands could lead to severe consequences.
“We will continue to apply equal sanctions on any erring passengers, including lengthy flight bans, and refer cases to law enforcement agencies,” the minister stated.
