Nigeria: Unruly Ibom air passenger remanded in Kirikiri prison after court appearance
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
A 26-year-old woman, Comfort Bob, has been remanded at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos following her arraignment for allegedly assaulting Ibom Air crew members and clashing with airport security at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2.
Bob appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Ogba on five counts, including disorderly conduct, assault, and malicious damage, offences under the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) bye-laws and Lagos State criminal law.
Police told the court that on August 10, 2025, shortly after Ibom Air flight SN-BXP landed from Uyo, Bob refused to disembark, shouted at crew members, assaulted a staff member by hitting her in the face with slippers, and damaged property, including a $2,500 aircraft curtain and a N110,000 wig. She also allegedly attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has placed her on a lifetime “no-fly” list, describing the incident as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour this year.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo condemned the release of an indecent video of the passenger during the altercation, directing sanctions for any staff involved in leaking it. He stressed that while her behaviour was unacceptable and warrants prosecution, her public humiliation was also wrong.
Ibom Air stated that the dispute began when Bob refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, prompting intervention from a fellow passenger. Upon arrival in Lagos, she allegedly confronted the Purser, physically assaulted crew members, and caused damage.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised what he called “double standards” in handling similar incidents, arguing that Bob was swiftly prosecuted while others accused of more serious aviation misconduct have faced no legal action. He urged for a justice system that applies equally to all, regardless of influence or social status.
The case is adjourned to October 6, 2025, for further hearing.
