The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has criticised the public release of an indecent video showing Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting a crew member, describing it as “deplorable and unacceptable.”
In a statement on Monday via X, Keyamo said while recording Emmanson’s unruly behaviour for use as evidence was appropriate, releasing footage containing indecent exposure to ridicule her was wrong. He directed that the staff responsible for circulating the clip be identified and sanctioned.
“We will not tolerate the debasing of womanhood,” the minister stated, adding that airlines must continually train staff in public relations and conflict management. He also ordered a joint security meeting between relevant agencies next week to improve coordination in handling similar incidents.
Keyamo urged aggrieved passengers to use official complaint channels provided by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) rather than resort to disruptive behaviour, warning that offenders face lengthy flight bans and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Emmanson for allegedly assaulting Ibom Air crew members on a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.
According to Ibom Air, Emmanson refused to switch off her phone before take-off, sparking a verbal outburst. Upon arrival in Lagos, she reportedly confronted the Purser, stepped on her, tore off her wig, removed her glasses, and used her footwear to assault her. Videos of the incident have since gone viral.
The airline said it has also placed a travel restriction on Emmanson in line with its zero-tolerance policy for violence against staff.
