The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has strongly condemned the public release of an indecent video showing Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, accused of assaulting a crew member on Sunday.
Keyamo stated that while filming her unruly behaviour for use as evidence was appropriate, releasing footage containing indecent exposure to ridicule her was “deplorable and unacceptable.”
He directed that the staff member responsible for leaking the footage be identified and sanctioned.
“We will not fold our arms and tolerate the debasing of womanhood,” Keyamo said in a post on X, adding that airline staff must be continually trained in public relations and defusing tense situations before they escalate.
He has also ordered a joint security meeting between relevant agencies next week to improve coordination in handling such incidents.
The minister urged aggrieved passengers to follow official complaint channels through the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands could lead to serious consequences.
He noted that erring passengers could face lengthy flight bans and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Emmanson, barring her from flying with any member airline, domestically or internationally.
Ibom Air had earlier placed a travel restriction on her after she allegedly assaulted crew members on a Uyo–Lagos flight.
According to the airline, the incident began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off.
After a fellow passenger turned off the phone, she launched into a verbal outburst. Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly confronted the Purser, stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, throwing them to the floor, and striking her with her footwear.
Videos of the confrontation went viral, showing security officials struggling to restrain her as she struck a flight attendant.
(Channels Tv)
