KEY POINTS
- Comfort Bob remanded at Kirikiri prison after in-flight altercation.
- Airlines place her on lifetime “no-fly” list.
- Aviation minister also condemns release of indecent footage.
A Lagos magistrate court has remanded 26-year-old Comfort Bob at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison for allegedly assaulting Ibom Air crew members and damaging property after a Uyo Lagos flight landed at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 on August 10.
She faces five counts including disorderly conduct, assault, and malicious damage under Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria bye-laws and Lagos State criminal law.
The court heard Bob refused to switch off her phone before take-off, confronted the crew after landing, and attacked two staff members, allegedly hitting one with her slippers, tearing a $2,500 aircraft curtain, and destroying a N110,000 wig. She will remain in custody until Oct. 6.
Airlines impose lifetime ban
The Airline Operators of Nigeria described the incident as one of the “most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour this year” and also placed Bob on an indefinite no-fly list covering domestic and international routes.
Minister condemns leaked video
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo supported her prosecution but ordered sanctions against staff who released footage showing “indecent exposure,” calling it “debasement of womanhood.” He urged airlines to improve staff training in de-escalation.
Obi further accuses government of double standards
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned Bob’s assault on crew but criticized authorities for “selective justice,” noting she was swiftly jailed while other high-profile offenders, including musician Wasiu Ayinde, have avoided prosecution. “Justice must be fair, equal, and not selective,” he said finally.
