After reviewing the videos and reading multiple accounts of this incident, I am left with more questions than answers.
Reports state that the passenger boarded in Uyo and was instructed by the cabin crew to switch off her phone in line with standard take-off safety protocols. She refused. Instead of the cabin crew enforcing compliance, another passenger took the phone and switched it off. This begs the question: Why was safety enforcement delegated to another passenger rather than handled by trained crew?
When she refused to comply, was the Captain notified immediately? If so, why was she still allowed to remain onboard? Airline SOPs are clear — any passenger refusing lawful safety instructions before take-off should be deboarded with the assistance of airport security. That step was not taken.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the situation escalated. Reports claim she attempted to use a fire extinguisher to strike a crew member. Video evidence shows her hitting a cabin crew member while being blocked from disembarking. Three men, believed to be Ibom Air ground staff, attempted to drag her out, and in the process, a crew member tore her top, exposing her indecently.
Here, more questions arise: Why didn’t the Captain instruct that the cabin doors remain closed until Aviation Security (AvSec) arrived to remove her? Why did ground staff and cabin crew take on the role of trained security officers, attempting to forcibly remove her without proper restraint techniques? Standard best practice is for security to confine such a passenger, deboard all others first, and then remove the disruptive passenger in a controlled, professional manner.
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The recording of the incident adds another layer of concern. If the video was captured by crew or ground staff, sharing it — particularly with indecent exposure caused during the altercation — is a breach of professionalism and a violation of her rights, regardless of her actions.
The facts are clear: the passenger’s behaviour was unacceptable, unlawful, and a direct contravention of aviation safety regulations. However, Ibom Air’s handling of the situation — from departure to arrival — revealed serious lapses in SOP adherence, crew training, and passenger rights management.
What is even more troubling is the disparity in accountability. The woman now sits in prison, while others who have committed even more serious aviation disruptions, such as the recent incident involving KWAM 1, walk free.
Until all parties in such incidents are held equally accountable and airlines commit to strict enforcement of SOPs, the aviation sector will remain vulnerable — not only to safety breaches but to reputational damage.
This incident was a failure on all sides — one that could and should have been prevented had established safety protocols been enforced from the very start.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
