A 26-year-old female passenger, Comfort Bob, has been remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos after allegedly assaulting Ibom Air crew members and clashing with airport security at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Ikeja.
Bob appeared before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, where she faced a five-count charge bordering on disorderly conduct, assault, and malicious damage. The offences are said to contravene the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) bye-laws and the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
According to the police prosecutor, the incident occurred on August 10, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., shortly after Ibom Air flight No. SN-BXP landed in Lagos from Uyo. Court documents allege that Bob shouted at the top of her voice, verbally abused, and physically assaulted crew members, refusing to disembark. One charge specifically accused her of hitting a crew member, Jokpame Sagun, in the face with her slippers.
Bob was remanded in custody pending further hearing scheduled for October 6, 2025.
Airlines Ban Passenger for Life
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), in a statement signed by spokesperson Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced that Bob has been placed on a “no-fly” list indefinitely. The group described the incident as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behavior this year, alleging she physically assaulted crew members and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, endangering the safety of passengers, crew, and the aircraft.
Minister Condemns Release of Indecent Video
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the indefinite ban and court arraignment but strongly criticized the release of video footage showing indecent exposure of Bob during the incident. He described it as “deplorable” and ordered sanctions against the staff responsible for leaking the clip. Keyamo stressed the need for airlines to train staff in conflict resolution to avoid escalation in similar situations.
Ibom Air Explains How Incident Escalated
Ibom Air stated that the dispute began when Bob refused to switch off her mobile phone before take-off from Uyo, in violation of aviation safety rules. After a fellow passenger turned off her device, she launched into a verbal tirade. Upon landing in Lagos, she allegedly waited until all other passengers had disembarked before confronting the Purser, tearing off her wig and glasses, slapping her multiple times, attacking another crew member, and attempting to seize a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
Peter Obi Alleges Double Standards
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned Bob’s assault on the crew but criticized what he called her “dehumanizing” treatment, including being stripped publicly. Obi accused authorities of applying double standards, noting that another high-profile passenger who caused flight disruption recently was not arrested or prosecuted. He urged for equal justice, free from bias based on wealth, influence, or political connections, insisting that the rule of law must be applied fairly to all Nigerians.
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