Ibom Air Denies Responsibility For Viral Passenger Video.
Ibom Air has firmly distanced itself from the release of a controversial video showing a passenger in a state of indecent exposure during an altercation on one of its flights. The airline’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communications, Aniekan Essienette, addressed the issue, clarifying that the footage, which has sparked widespread debate on social media, was not recorded or distributed by Ibom Air staff.
The incident, which occurred on 10 August 2025, involved a female passenger who allegedly refused to comply with safety regulations by keeping her electronic device switched on during a flight. This violation of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) rules led to a confrontation, resulting in the passenger being restrained by the crew and removed by security personnel. The video, capturing the passenger’s removal in a compromising state, has drawn significant public criticism, with many describing the treatment as dehumanising.
Essienette, speaking to TVC News, emphasised that while the incident took place on board, several non-staff members were present, and any of them could have recorded the footage. “I can state categorically that Ibom Air did not release the video. We do not condone such indecent exposure, and it’s unfortunate that it has gone viral,” she said. The airline has expressed its commitment to passenger safety and professionalism, urging travellers to adhere to aviation regulations to prevent such incidents.
The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, condemned the video’s public release as “totally unacceptable,” despite acknowledging that recording such incidents for legal evidence is permissible. He has ordered sanctions against any Ibom Air employee found responsible for the leak. Meanwhile, the NCAA has called for eyewitness accounts to ensure a fair investigation, with its Director of Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, stressing the need for accountability on all sides.
Public reaction has been intense, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemning the passenger’s treatment as a violation of her dignity and privacy. The NBA has demanded that Ibom Air withdraw a lifetime ban imposed on the passenger, identified as Comfort Emmanson, and issue a public apology. The association also called for an independent investigation, arguing that the airline’s unilateral actions were unlawful.
Ibom Air, however, has defended its response, asserting that the passenger’s refusal to disembark necessitated security intervention. Essienette noted that the crew acted to ensure the safety of all on board, and the airline remains committed to its reputation for reliability and excellent customer service. While the source of the video leak remains under investigation, Ibom Air has not yet confirmed whether it will take further action to identify those responsible.
The incident has ignited broader discussions in Nigeria about passenger rights, airline conduct, and aviation security, with many calling for reforms to prevent similar occurrences. As the investigation continues, Ibom Air has urged passengers to respect safety protocols, emphasising that compliance is essential in the controlled environment of an aircraft.
