Ibom Air passenger controversy deepens as activist claims viral victim resisted restraint

DDM News

(DDM) – A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding Comfort Emmason, the passenger at the centre of the viral Ibom Air incident, after social commentator Kemi Olunloyo, popularly known as Kemi Talks, claimed that the woman was restrained because she resisted airline staff and endangered flight safety.

The case gained nationwide attention after videos circulated on social media showing Comfort partially exposed and in a confrontation with airline personnel, sparking outrage from public figures including singer Simi, actress Mary Njoku, and activist Aisha Yesufu.

Many critics accused Ibom Air and airport security of dehumanizing the passenger, with several insisting that she had not violated any dress code or aviation safety rule.

However, DDM gathered that Kemi Olunloyo, a controversial investigative journalist turned social commentator, took to her Instagram platform to dispute the widely circulated narrative.

In her post, she accused the celebrity defenders of “fighting for her breasts being exposed” instead of addressing what she described as the real issue, Comfort’s alleged unruly conduct.

According to Olunloyo, Comfort was “restrained while resisting and still kicking staff on the shuttle bus”, implying that the airline’s actions were in response to aggressive behaviour rather than a dress code violation.

She further alleged that the passenger frequently dressed in revealing outfits and had a social media history of doing so, suggesting that the outrage over her partial exposure was misplaced.

Olunloyo stated that if she were still in active investigative journalism, she would have conducted a “full investigation of all parameters” but considered this case to be “clearly simple” based on available footage and eyewitness accounts.

She accused Comfort of breaking aviation laws and “endangering the skies”, a serious allegation under Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) regulations, which prohibit disruptive behaviour that may compromise safety during flight or airport operations.

The viral incident began when a video emerged showing Comfort in a white outfit with a plunging neckline, engaged in a heated exchange with Ibom Air staff.

Witnesses claim that tensions escalated after boarding disputes, though details remain contested.

The footage, which showed Comfort being physically restrained, fuelled accusations of harassment and victimization.

Ibom Air, in an earlier statement, defended its actions, saying its crew acted to ensure safety and order.

The airline also maintained that it follows strict customer service protocols and does not target passengers over personal appearance.

The NCAA has not yet issued a formal ruling on the matter, though aviation experts note that unruly passenger behaviour can lead to permanent bans, arrests, or prosecution under Nigerian aviation law.

As the debate rages on, public opinion remains sharply divided, with one side framing the incident as a clear case of passenger mistreatment, and the other insisting that Comfort’s conduct justified the airline’s response.

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