Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered disciplinary action against an Ibom Air staff member who allegedly leaked a viral video showing the indecent exposure of Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of assaulting airline officials.
Ms Emmanson allegedly attacked a flight attendant and clashed with security operatives during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, leading to her arraignment before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Monday after failing to meet bail conditions.
While Keyamo supported the filming of her “recalcitrant behaviour” for use as evidence, he condemned the public release of footage showing her torn top and exposed upper body.
“Whilst we support the filming of her behaviour as evidence to prosecute her, what is deplorable is to release such evidence containing indecent exposure to ridicule her. That is totally unacceptable to us,” the minister said in a statement on X.
“We will not fold our arms and tolerate the debasing of womanhood. Whoever released that part of the video should be singled out and adequately sanctioned.”
Keyamo further directed airlines to intensify staff training in public relations and conflict management to help defuse volatile situations. He also announced plans for a joint security meeting with relevant agencies next week to strengthen coordination in handling similar incidents.
The minister reiterated that erring passengers would face sanctions, including lengthy flight bans and possible prosecution, while urging travellers to channel grievances through the Consumer Protection Directorate of the NCAA rather than resort to disruptive behaviour.
