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Nigeria’s Airlines Are Hitting Turbulence on the Ground By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare
When a passenger’s dignity is stripped mid-flight, the damage goes far beyond one viral video.
By Prince Adeyemi Aseperi-Shonibare
On a recent Ibom Air flight, a quiet dispute over a phone’s airplane mode spiraled into one of the most humiliating passenger experiences in Nigerian aviation history. Comfort — a paying passenger with no record of disruption — was ordered by crew to switch off her phone before takeoff. According to eyewitnesses, including fellow passenger Tunde A. Ibrahim, she complied, but the interaction was tinged with unusual hostility.
“She had already put it in airplane mode,” Ibrahim recalls. “There was no shouting, no scene — just the crew insisting she switch it off completely. You could see she felt singled out.”
What should have been a minor procedural reminder escalated into an abuse of power. Comfort was forcibly removed from the aircraft, partially undressed in the process, filmed without consent, and had her dignity broadcast on social media. One video even shows a male staff member deliberately pulling at her dress to expose her breast. The footage — apparently leaked from within airline personnel — is a gross violation of privacy, human rights, and Nigerian criminal law.
Bringing her private videos and pictures to the public to paint her as a “wayward woman” is nothing more than a calculated distraction. Her personal life is her business. It is irrelevant to the violent and degrading treatment she suffered.
A Pattern in the Skies
This is not the first time Nigerian airlines have clashed with passengers over arbitrary or self-serving rules. Only days ago, Senator Adams Oshiomhole confronted another airline for habitually closing boarding counters before the official time — only to resell “closed” seats at inflated rates to desperate travelers. That practice, long whispered about, deserves its own investigation. Comfort’s ordeal is simply the ugliest manifestation of a deep-rooted rot.
Several passengers from the same Ibom Air flight have now spoken up, confirming that Comfort was the victim, not the villain, as the airline’s PR narrative would have us believe.
They say the treatment she endured was unnecessary, excessive, and targeted.
The Law Is Clear
Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees the right to dignity of the human person. Stripping, photographing, and broadcasting a passenger’s nakedness without consent is not just indecent — it is criminal under the Cybercrimes Act, the Criminal Code, and privacy laws. Even a so-called “ban” from an airline or association raises constitutional red flags.
Globally, courts have ruled that powerful institutions cannot arbitrarily exclude citizens from public services without due process. In one landmark U.S. case, a woman successfully challenged an international organization’s discriminatory membership rule — forcing them to change. The principle is universal: rules that trample fundamental rights are unlawful, no matter who makes them.
The Psychological Fallout
Public humiliation leaves scars no apology can erase. Being forcibly undressed, filmed, and mocked online can trigger post-traumatic stress, anxiety disorders, and deep depression. In Nigeria, such stigma can also destroy a woman’s reputation, livelihood, and social safety net. What has been done to Comfort is the same kind of cruelty that has pushed many victims toward suicide — especially when those in power join in victimizing them instead of offering protection.
A Call to the Minister of Aviation — and the First Lady
Hon. Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN this is not a routine passenger complaint. It is a test of whether your ministry will protect citizens from the abuse of corporate power. The manifest of that flight exists. Obtain it. Speak to every willing passenger witness. Make a public statement. And most importantly, deliver justice — swiftly.
To Nigeria’s Minister of Women Affairs, women lawmakers, and our First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu: your intervention could help Comfort heal from a trauma no citizen should endure. She need not be the daughter of a prominent person to get justice from her oppressors. Let us protect her the way we would protect the daughter of a president or minister — because that is what makes citizens proud of their countries in the developed world. There, protection under the law is not tied to status, but to humanity.
“She could have been your sister. She could have been mine. Today it is Comfort. Tomorrow, it could be any of us.”
Finally, the Federal Government should mandate airlines to display toll-free numbers and email addresses for passengers to report abuses. Every Nigerian boarding a plane should know: your rights do not end at the boarding gate.
If no decisive action is taken — if no penalties are imposed on the individuals and systems that allowed this — the skies over Nigeria will remain dangerous, not because of turbulence in the air, but because of turbulence on the ground.
“Dignity is not a privilege you grant when convenient. It is a right you are bound to protect — always, everywhere, without compromise.”
Aare Adetola Emmanuel King Congratulates Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on Election Victory
The Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, Sir Aare Adetola Emmanuel King KOF, has congratulated Hon. Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji on her resounding victory in the just-concluded by-election for the Remo Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives.
In a goodwill message issued by him, he described the victory as “a historic moment for the Remo people, coming at a time when the constituency yearns for a leader with vision, courage, and genuine commitment to service.”
He noted that the outcome of the election was an attestation to the trust and confidence reposed in Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji by the people, adding that her sterling qualities, integrity, accessibility, and compassion for the grassroots had endeared her to the electorate.
“The overwhelming support you garnered at the polls is proof that you are the right voice at the right time to carry the aspirations of Remo to the national stage,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the by-election followed the painful demise of the late Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (Ijaya), Aare Adetola Emmanuel King said Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji’s emergence symbolizes the continuity of purposeful representation. He expressed confidence that she would not only sustain the legacy of her predecessor but also surpass it with new energy, innovative ideas, and progressive leadership.
The Adron Group Chairman further prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and compassion for the Member-Elect as she assumes office, expressing confidence that her tenure will usher in meaningful development, economic empowerment, and greater opportunities for the people of Remo Federal Constituency.
Olowu Celebrates Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, At 84
Olowu of Kuta, HRM Oba Dr Hammed Oyelude Makama, CON, Tegbosun III, has congratulated former military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, rtd, who is 84 today.
Olowu, in a statement he signed, eulogised the former military ruler for his modest achievements while he was in power.
According to Olowu, ” IBB is an enigma. He has carved a niche for himself as a former military president. His tenure witnessed the completion of many monumental legacy projects that are still visible today. His Hill Top Mansion in Minna has become a Mecca of sorts for those who aspired to lead Nigeria.”
Olowu, who described Gen Babangida as being grossly misunderstood, said history would be kind to him.
He said, “The launch of Gen Babangida’s Autobiography: ‘A Journey In Service’, and the testimonies from the likes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Jim Ovia, Abdusalam Rabiu, Oil Magnate, Arthur Eze, and many others, testified to his goodwill despite leaving public office three decades ago.
” On behalf of myself, my Oloris and Olowu-In-Council.
All members of the defunct IBB Vision 2003 and Vision 2007, I wish President Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, a happy birthday. I also wish him all the best as he aged gracefully,” Olowu added.
Born on August 17, 1941, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, rtd, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
His presidency was marked by significant political and economic reforms.
A new dawn breaks over Agunjin — a moment etched in gold in the annals of history — as the crown of the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Dynasty returns to its rightful home. With this homecoming, the living legacy of Agunjin’s royal heritage is renewed, strengthened, and destined to shine for generations to come.
The proud sons and daughters of Agunjin welcome His Royal Highness, Oba Isiaka Babatunde Malik Adekeye, Ariwajoye III of Agunjin Land, with joy, reverence, and boundless hope for the future.
A distinguished Nigerian based in New York, Oba Adekeye is a dynamic and accomplished professional whose illustrious career spans cinematography, international trade, and hospitality. Born into the revered Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family of Agunjin, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, His Royal Highness now carries forward an ancestral legacy steeped in honor, dignity, and purpose.
The new Oba Adekeye is the proud nephew of the late Oba Jimoh Ajide Adekeye and the grandson of Oba Alade Adekeye — custodians of Agunjin’s noble traditions whose names remain deeply woven into the history of the land.
As the Yoruba say,
“Adé kì í wọ́ lórí aláìní orí.” — The crown does not rest on a head without destiny.”
His Royal Highness wears the crown not as a mere ornament, but as a solemn trust from his ancestors to his people.
The Adekeye Royal Family extends profound gratitude to: His Excellency, H.E.AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, Chaiman GFON, Sadauna Ngeri of Ilorin, Executive Governor of Kwara State; The Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, Emir of Ilorin; The Chairman, Igbomina Traditional Rulers Forum, Oba (Barr.) Alh. Ismail Bolaji Yahaya Atoloye Alebiosu, Olupo of Ajase Ipo; The Chairman, Ifelodun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr.) Alhaji Ahmed Awuni Babalola Arepo III, Elese of Igbaja; The Ifelodun Traditional Council Members and the Kwara State Traditional Council.
Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Hon. Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Abdullahi Bata, and to the Executive Chairman, Ifelodun LGA, Hon. Femi Yusuf, for their steadfast commitment to upholding historical truths and safeguarding the cherished traditions of Agunjin.
As the newly crowned Ariwajoye III, Oba Adekeye brings decades of professionalism, global exposure, and deep cultural pride to his reign. His vision is noble and unwavering — to champion sustainable development across the Agunjin district, preserve the rich traditions of the land, and unite his people both at home and in the diaspora under one banner of progress, peace, and pride.
In the words of an old royal proverb, “When the king builds bridges, the people will cross to a better tomorrow.” Ariwajoye III now stands as that bridge — connecting the heritage of the past with the promise of the future.
Long live Ariwajoye III. Long live the Ariwajoye Adekeye Royal Family. Long live Agunjin Land.
Prince Oluwatoyin Adekeye For the Family
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