ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: FG READS RIOT ACT AFTER UNRULY PASSENGER ASSAULTS IBOM AIR CREW, REMANDED IN KIRIKIRI
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has vowed to enforce strict measures to safeguard aviation safety and security following the August 10, 2025 incident involving an unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson (also known as Comfort Bob), aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos.
The altercation, which occurred at about 2:54 p.m., reportedly began when the passenger refused to switch off her mobile phone during take-off, in violation of International Civil Aviation Regulations. In a statement, Ibom Air explained that the situation escalated when Ms. Emmanson physically assaulted both the flight crew and ground staff.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said he had engaged the Commissioner of Police for the Airport 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 Chief Operating Officer to review the matter.
The NCAA has since imposed an indefinite flight ban both domestic and international on the passenger, while the Police arraigned her before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Monday. She was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to produce adequate sureties.
Keyamo condemned the circulation of footage from the incident that contained indecent exposure, calling it “totally unacceptable” and directing that any staff member responsible for releasing such material be sanctioned. He stressed the need for airlines to intensify training in public relations and conflict management to prevent similar situations.
The minister also announced that a joint security meeting involving relevant aviation agencies will be held next week to strengthen coordination during emergencies.
He reminded air travellers that the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate has established clear channels for resolving grievances and warned that any future acts of violence or unruly behaviour would attract lengthy flight bans and referral to law enforcement agencies.
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