…Condemns Public Release Of Footage Showing Indecent Exposure During Scuffle.
…Says Govt. Will Not Tolerate Any Act Threatening Safety, Security, Dignity Of Aviation
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has threatened to take tougher measures against unruly and disruptive air passengers in Nigeria.
This is just as he declaref that enough is enough for passengers flouting aviation safety and security rules on board aircraft and airports across the country.
The threat by the Minister to come down hard on unruly passengers came on the heels of the disturbing and worrisome incident of Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson that has generated discussions all over the country.
The incident occured on August 10, 2025, when an Ibom Air passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during take-off on Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos.
According to the airline, the situation quickly degenerated into physical assaults on both flight crew and ground staff, forcing airport authorities to intervene.
Some hours later, the videos of the incident went viral and this brought about nationwide discuss on the safety and security of air travel in the country.
Speaking on the latest incident, Keyamo, said that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has already imposed an indefinite flight ban on the passenger for both domestic and international travel.
However, the swiftness at which she was arrested and arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates Court on criminal charges, and subsequent remand at Kirikiri Prison after failing to meet bail conditions was another issue that also generated controversy in the country as it was viewed in several quarters as selective justice.
Those, who questioned the swiftness of the arrest and arraignment, wonder why the incidents involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and KWAM1 was not treated with the same speed.considering the fact that the first two incidents are also breaches committed by the Senator and musician.
But in view of the number of unruly behaviours the country has witnessed within a short period of time, the Minister declared that enough is enough.
Speaking further, Keyamo, said that he had engaged directly with top aviation and security officials including the Airport Police Command, NCAA leadership, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Ibom Air’s management within hours of the incident.
Keyamo, while endorsing the use of video evidence to aid prosecution, he, however condemned the public release of footage showing indecent exposure during the scuffle.
He said this, “totally unacceptable” and “a debasing of womanhood,” warning that any staff member responsible for leaking such material would face disciplinary action.
Airlines, he said must invest in continuous training for staff on managing potentially explosive situations, emphasizing the need for tact and professionalism unless force becomes unavoidable.
Keyamo also noted that a joint security meeting would be organised next week to improve coordination among agencies during in-flight and airport-related crises.
He reminded passengers that there are established channels for addressing grievances, through the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate, without resorting to disruptive or violent behaviour.
He promised that future offenders would face the full weight of aviation sanctions such as prolonged flight bans alongside criminal prosecution by law enforcement agencies.
According to him, “This administration will not tolerate any act that threatens the safety, security, or dignity of our aviation system.
“Enough is enough,” Keyamo added.
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