Comfort: ‘Debasing of Female Passenger Unacceptable,’ Says Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has strongly condemned the public circulation of a video showing the indecent exposure of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, following a disruptive incident on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.

In a detailed statement issued earlier today, the Minister described the release of the video as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE” and a “debasement of womanhood,” even as he confirmed ongoing disciplinary measures against the passenger for her violent behaviour onboard the aircraft and at the airport.

“Whilst we support the filming of her recalcitrant behaviour as evidence to prosecute her, what is DEPLORABLE is to release such evidence containing indecent exposure to the public to ridicule her,” the Minister stated. He further directed that the individual responsible for leaking the footage among airline or airport staff be identified and “adequately sanctioned.”

The altercation involving Ms. Emmanson occurred on Ibom Airline Flight No. Q153, which was scheduled to depart Uyo for Lagos at 14:54 hours. According to Ibom Air, the incident stemmed from the passenger’s refusal to switch off her phone during takeoff, a direct violation of international aviation safety regulations. The situation quickly escalated as she allegedly assaulted both flight crew and ground personnel.

In response, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) imposed an indefinite flight ban on Ms. Emmanson—covering both local and international travel. She was promptly arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on August 11, 2025, and remanded at Kirikiri prisons due to her inability to provide adequate sureties. The Minister confirmed that the charge sheet and remand order have been made available for public transparency.

The Aviation Ministry has since initiated multiple actions following the event. These include consultations with key stakeholders such as the Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command, NCAA leadership, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Ibom Air executives.

While affirming the government’s commitment to strict enforcement of aviation safety and security protocols, the Minister also emphasised the need for dignity, professionalism, and human rights in the handling of such volatile situations.

“I have also directed that the airlines must continue to train and retrain their staff in public relations and how to deal with potentially explosive situations… We will not fold our arms and tolerate the debasing of womanhood,” he declared.

He further announced plans for a joint security meeting between relevant agencies next week to enhance coordination and prevent similar incidents.

The Minister reminded the public that there are established channels for addressing grievances through the Consumer Protection Directorate of the NCAA and warned against taking the law into one’s own hands, stressing that such behaviour would face “lengthy flight bans” and referral to law enforcement for prosecution.