New video emerges, casting doubts on Airline’s initial narrative. Did Ibom Air escalate the situation by blocking Emmanson from leaving?
By Nij Martin
On August 10, 2025, a routine Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos spiraled into a national controversy when passenger Comfort Emmanson—popularly known as Comfort Bob—was accused of assaulting a cabin crew member. The confrontation, captured in viral videos, led to her arrest, a lifetime ban from Ibom Air flights, and remand in Kirikiri prison—fueling heated debate over Nigeria’s selective justice system.
The narrative took a sharp turn when a newly surfaced video appeared online, contradicting the airline’s version of events. The footage shows a flight attendant physically blocking Emmanson from leaving the aircraft moments before the clash intensified. This fresh evidence has amplified questions about who initiated the conflict and whether Ibom Air’s disciplinary response was fair.
How It Started: The Ibom Air Altercation
According to Ibom Air’s official statement, tensions began before takeoff when Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone despite repeated instructions. A fellow passenger eventually powered it down for her, sparking an angry verbal exchange.
The remainder of the flight reportedly proceeded without incident—until landing in Lagos. The airline claims that after most passengers had disembarked, Emmanson approached and physically attacked the same crew member who had earlier instructed her to turn off her phone.
Viral videos from inside the cabin captured the confrontation, though newly leaked footage now challenges the timeline and context provided by the airline.
This development has split public opinion. Some see it as evidence that Emmanson was provoked; others insist nothing justifies physically confronting airline staff. Either way, it has complicated Ibom Air’s original account and turned the case into a wider discussion about accountability, provocation, and corporate power in Nigeria.
This report takes a closer look at the incident, the unfolding legal case, public reactions, and the broader issue of double standards in Nigeria’s justice system.
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New video exposes how Ibom Air crew prevented female passenger from disembarking
Chapter 1: The Incident – What Really Happened on Ibom Air?
Pre-Flight Dispute: The Phone Controversy
According to Ibom Air’s official statement, the conflict began when Emmanson refused to switch off her phone before takeoff, violating aviation safety protocols. A fellow passenger eventually complied on her behalf, triggering a verbal outburst. The flight proceeded without further disruption until landing in Lagos.
The New Video: Flight Attendant Blocks Exit
A previously unseen clip, now circulating online, shows a critical moment before the physical altercation:
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The flight attendant stands in the aircraft exit, preventing Emmanson from disembarking.
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Emmanson is heard pleading in Pidgin:
“Madam abeg comot for road, make I pass.” (“Madam, please move, let me pass.”)
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The attendant refuses to budge, leading to rising tensions.
Eyewitness Tunde A. Ibrahim, who claimed to be on the flight, stated:
“The crew member resisted the lady from coming down, saying they called airport security to pick her up. They pushed her back into her seat while other passengers exited.”
The Explosive Confrontation
After being blocked, Emmanson allegedly:
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Slapped the crew member repeatedly
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Tore off her wig and threw her glasses
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Attempted to grab a fire extinguisher before being restrained
Viral footage then shows:
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Airport security dragging Emmanson out of the plane
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A second, graphic video (later condemned by the Aviation Minister) revealing her partial nudity during the struggle
A female passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos caused a disturbance at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Sunday, allegedly assaulting a flight attendant and confronting airport security before being forcibly taken off the aircraft.
— Rifnote (@viarifnote) August 11, 2025
Comfort Emmanson was forcefully removed from Ibom Air plane at Lagos Airport after allegedly slapping a flight attendant during boarding.
Daily Mail have carried this story. 😬 pic.twitter.com/cx3oybXH5z
— Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) August 11, 2025
Chapter 2: Legal Fallout – Arrest, Court Case, and Lifetime Ban
Swift Legal Action
Emmanson was arraigned within 24 hours at an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court on five charges, including:
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Assault (Section 172 of Lagos Criminal Law)
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Disorderly conduct (FAAN Bye-Laws)
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Malicious damage (aircraft divider curtain valued at $2,500)
The court remanded her in Kirikiri prison pending trial, citing her inability to provide sureties.
Industry Blacklisting
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) imposed a lifetime ban, barring her from all domestic and international flights operated by member airlines. Ibom Air’s statement emphasized:
“This behavior is unacceptable. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for unruly conduct.”
Chapter 3: The KWAM 1 Comparison – Nigeria’s Double Standards Exposed
KWAM 1’s Airport Scandal (July 2025)
Just weeks earlier, Fuji music star KWAM 1 was involved in a more severe incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, where he:
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Physically obstructed a ValueJet flight from departing
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Allegedly poured alcohol on a pilot
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Verbally abused crew members
Stark Contrast in Outcomes
Despite KWAM 1’s actions (a FAR greater safety risk), he:
✅ Faced no arrest or charges
✅ Issued a vague apology
✅ Performed at a concert days later
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) later clarified:
“ValueJet did not press charges. We referred KWAM 1’s case to the police, but no prosecution followed.”
Chapter 4: Public Outrage – Why Nigerians Are Furious
Social Media Reactions
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@EmmyPromise71 (X):
“The level of selective punishment in this country is overwhelming! Some animals are more equal than others.”
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@Ronaldnziroma (X):
“KWAM 1 blocked a plane—an act of terrorism—yet he’s free. Comfort fought one person and is jailed. Only the poor face consequences.”
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Peter Obi (Labour Party):
“This is a clear case of double standards. Justice must be equal.”
Civil Society Intervention
NEFGAD, a human rights group, offered Emmanson free legal aid, arguing:
“The airline provoked her by blocking her exit. The full in-flight footage must be released.”
Chapter 5: Institutional Responses – Aviation Minister’s Condemnation
Keyamo’s Statement
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo:
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Supported Emmanson’s prosecution but condemned the leaked nude video as “dehumanizing.”
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Ordered sanctions against staff who shared the footage.
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Directed airlines to improve conflict de-escalation training.
NCAA’s Defense
The NCAA distanced itself, stating:
“We didn’t prosecute Emmanson—Ibom Air did. KWAM 1’s case was referred to police, but they took no action.”
Chapter 6: The Bigger Picture – Nigeria’s Culture of Impunity
Elite vs. Ordinary Citizens
This case mirrors broader issues:
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Political figures (e.g., Senator Oshiomhole’s 2024 Air Peace altercation) rarely face consequences.
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Celebrities (like KWAM 1) leverage influence to evade accountability.
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Everyday Nigerians (like Emmanson) bear the brunt of punitive measures.
Aviation Sector Hypocrisy
A 2024 AON report recorded 12+ unruly passenger incidents—only 3 resulted in bans, all involving non-celebrities.
A Test for Nigeria’s Justice System
The Comfort Emmanson saga is more than an aviation dispute—it’s a litmus test for equality before the law. The new video raises critical questions:
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Did the airline escalate the situation?
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Was Emmanson’s reaction a result of provocation?
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Why was KWAM 1 treated differently for worse misconduct?
Until high-profile offenders face proportional consequences, public trust in institutions will keep eroding.
Exit Question: Should KWAM 1 be arrested to restore faith in Nigeria’s justice system?
Peter Obi faults handling of Ibom Air passenger’s arrest, calls for fair Justice
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, calling it a sign of “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system. pic.twitter.com/PsFKe9QUzX
— Rifnote (@viarifnote) August 11, 2025