Ibom Air Assault: Aviation Minister Keyamo Orders Sanctions Over Indecent Video Leak, Bans Passenger Indefinitely

Story: writen by Uzuh Rita AUAGUST 12,2025
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered strict disciplinary action against aviation staff involved in leaking an indecent video of Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, following a violent altercation on board Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

According to Ibom Air, the incident began when Emmanson refused repeated instructions to switch off her mobile phone during take-off, in violation of international aviation safety rules. The confrontation escalated into physical assaults on flight crew and ground staff after the plane landed in Lagos.

In a statement on Monday, Keyamo confirmed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had imposed an indefinite domestic and international flight ban on the passenger. She was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court the following morning on criminal charges and remanded at Kirikiri Prison after failing to meet bail conditions.

While commending the use of video evidence in prosecuting the case, Keyamo condemned the public release of footage showing indecent exposure of the passenger during the altercation, describing it as “totally unacceptable” and “debas[ing] to womanhood.” He directed that all staff responsible be identified and sanctioned.

“I have also directed that airlines must continue to train and retrain their staff in public relations and conflict management to defuse potentially explosive situations before they escalate,” the minister said.

Keyamo also announced that a joint security meeting between relevant aviation and security agencies will be held next week to improve coordination in handling disruptive passenger incidents.

He warned that aggrieved passengers should seek redress through the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate rather than resorting to violence, adding that offenders would face severe penalties, including long-term flight bans and prosecution.