Keyamo orders sanctions over leaked video as Nigerians react

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the public release of a video showing the indecent exposure of an unruly passenger during an Ibom Air incident. He said while recording the event was necessary for prosecution, making such sensitive footage public was unacceptable and amounted to the debasement of womanhood. Keyamo ordered that the staff responsible be identified and sanctioned, adding that airlines must retrain personnel in handling volatile situations.

The passenger, Comfort Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, allegedly assaulted crew and ground staff on Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10 after refusing to switch off her phone before takeoff. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has placed an indefinite ban on her from all domestic and international flights. She was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Monday and remanded at Kirikiri Prison for failing to provide sureties.

Her arrest has triggered public debate, with some Nigerians drawing parallels to an incident involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) at Abuja Airport on August 5. In that case, KWAM 1 allegedly splashed a flask’s contents on an airport officer during a dispute but avoided prosecution after an apology. Critics argue that both matters amount to aviation offences and should attract equal legal treatment, raising concerns over double standards.

Keyamo urged passengers to seek redress through the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate rather than engage in disruptive behaviour. He warned that offenders would face extended flight bans and possible criminal prosecution as the ministry intensifies security coordination across the aviation sector.