Ibom Air: Keyamo Vows Tough Sanctions Against Unruly Passengers, Condemns Release Of Sensitive Video

Minister of Aviation Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has promised tougher sanctions against unruly air passengers following an alleged assault on an Ibom Air crew member by a passenger. The incident occurred on Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025, when Comfort Emmanson attacked the crew for asking her to switch off her mobile phone.

Keyamo confirmed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has imposed an indefinite flight ban on Emmanson, who was arraigned in court and remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The minister also condemned the release of a viral video showing the passenger's actions, calling it unacceptable and ordering an investigation to identify and sanction those responsible.

Keyamo emphasized the need for proper training of airline staff in conflict resolution and announced a joint security meeting with aviation stakeholders to improve incident handling. He warned that taking the law into one's hands would lead to dire consequences.