society
Ibom Air Show of Shame: Young Lady Remanded While Real Criminals Soar Free
Ibom Air Show of Shame: Young Lady Remanded While Real Criminals Soar Free.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
The recent altercation between a female passenger and the authorities involving Ibom Air, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Police has sparked widespread outrage. What should have been a routine passenger-management situation instead escalated into a shameful public spectacle, exposing deep cracks in Nigeria’s aviation professionalism, passenger relations and law enforcement conduct.
According to eyewitnesses and expert analysis, the passenger in question was subjected to humiliating treatment (including being physically dragged and exposed in public) a gross violation of her dignity and basic human rights. The scene, captured and shared across social media, has become a symbol of everything wrong with the heavy-handed, unprofessional approach too often witnessed in Nigeria’s transport sector.
Aviation Standards Thrown to the Wind.
Matthew Okodugha, an advocate for good governance, did not mince words when commenting on the conduct of the Ibom Air lead crew member. “The behavior of the Ibom Air lead crew fell short of all professional conduct,” he said. “She obviously threw professionalism to the bin. In our days, someone like Mr. Kayode Odukoya would have suspended her from airport operations immediately.”
This is not mere sentiment, but an insider’s verdict from someone who understands the aviation sector’s highest standards. According to retired senior cabin crew members, the lead crew’s body language alone indicated a loss of composure and a lack of interpersonal skill, a fundamental requirement for anyone tasked with managing passengers in tense situations.
A former senior cabin crew who flew with Bellview Airlines and Aero Contractors for over a decade explained that professional cabin crew are trained to manage passenger non-compliance (such as not turning off a phone) with tact and calm authority, not with confrontation. The industry is replete with examples where calm persuasion prevents escalation. “I once had to convince Mama NAFDAC to turn off her phone before takeoff,” the former crew member recalled. “She gave me a sharp look, but no drama. That is the difference between training and composure.”
The Overblown Phone Rule Debate.
At the heart of the dispute lies the long-standing regulation requiring passengers to turn off their mobile phones during takeoff and landing. While this rule still exists in Nigeria, many modern aviation authorities have moved toward allowing “airplane mode” usage, backed by advanced cockpit shielding technology. In countries such as the United States, UK and across the EU, regulators like the FAA and EASA have relaxed their bans, citing minimal interference risks with modern aircraft systems.
This is where Nigerian aviation seems stuck in the past. The female passenger’s refusal or delay in turning off her phone was not a life-or-death threat to the flight. If she was genuinely willing to leave the aircraft, there was no operational necessity to drag her in such a degrading manner. The overzealous approach by FAAN security and Ibom Air ground staff reflected an outdated enforcement culture,; one that prioritizes force over professionalism.
As aviation analyst and author Captain John Cox notes, “Passenger management is about defusing tensions, not escalating them. The best crew members are those you never see lose their cool.” Sadly, what unfolded at Ibom Air was the exact opposite.
FAAN Security: Policing or Intimidation?
The FAAN security team’s involvement in this debacle was another low point. Instead of acting as neutral peacekeepers, they appeared to take sides, physically restraining and humiliating the passenger. This behaviour mirrors the notorious street-policing style in Nigeria, one driven more by intimidation than service.
FAAN has long faced criticism for its lack of modern customer-service orientation. Reports of brusque treatment, shouting and unnecessary force at Nigerian airports are commonplace. This incident merely confirms what regular travelers already know that FAAN’s frontline operatives need extensive retraining in conflict resolution and passenger relations.
“It is unacceptable that security agencies in the aviation sector act on emotions rather than established protocols,” said Dr. Abiodun Shobowale, a governance and security expert. “You cannot humiliate a passenger in public and then expect to be seen as a credible authority.”
Law Enforcement’s Emotional Overreach.
Perhaps the most disturbing part of the episode was the speed with which the police moved to remand the woman at Kirikiri Prison. Without the benefit of a thorough investigation and based largely on the airline and FAAN’s version of events, law enforcement’s knee-jerk reaction underscored how deeply emotion (not justice) drives official responses in Nigeria.
The swiftness of her arraignment compared to the sluggishness in prosecuting far more serious aviation breaches by politically connected individuals is telling. As human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has repeatedly pointed out, “In Nigeria, the scale of justice tilts heavily depending on who you are. The law is swift for the powerless and sluggish for the powerful.”
The question that must be asked is simple: If this passenger had been a high-profile individual or the relative of a political figure, would she have been treated in the same manner? Aviation insiders and public opinion alike strongly doubt it.
Public Relations and Training Failures.
This incident is a case study in how not to manage a crisis. In the age of social media, public perception can make or break an airline’s reputation overnight. Instead of de-escalating, Ibom Air’s crew and FAAN’s operatives fueled the fire through their conduct, creating a viral scandal.
Aviation consultant Dr. Chika Onyema warns that “Airlines must invest in recurrent training that goes beyond safety drills. Public relations, body language and emotional intelligence should be core parts of annual crew recertification.” Unfortunately, Nigerian airlines often treat these as optional extras, to the detriment of passenger experience and brand image.
The recommended approach in such situations is clear:
Offer the passenger an opportunity to disembark without humiliation.
Avoid physical contact unless there is a direct threat to safety.
Keep discussions away from the public eye to preserve dignity.
Involve neutral mediators before calling in security.
None of these steps were followed in the Ibom Air case.
A Call for Accountability and Reform.
This incident is more than a one-off embarrassment; it is a wake-up call. FAAN, Ibom Air and Nigeria’s aviation regulators must urgently overhaul their passenger engagement protocols. This includes:
Updating policies in line with global best practices.
Training crew and security personnel in de-escalation techniques.
Introducing independent review panels for passenger complaints.
Ensuring that enforcement actions are proportionate and humane.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” In this case, Nigeria’s aviation authorities failed that test spectacularly.
Final Analysis: Do Better
The Ibom. Air–FAAN–police saga should never have happened. It is a blot on Nigeria’s aviation image and a reminder that professionalism cannot be replaced by power play. The woman at the centre of the storm may have been wrong in her initial non-compliance, but the punishment (humiliation, public dragging, and swift imprisonment) was not just disproportionate; it was inhumane.
FAAN, Ibom Air and the Nigerian Police must reflect deeply on this “show of shame” and commit to doing better in the future. Passengers are not enemies; they are the lifeblood of the aviation industry. Treat them with dignity, and the industry thrives. Treat them with contempt and both reputation and trust take a nosedive.
~ George Omagbemi Sylvester
Ramadan: Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Boss Greets Muslims
As the holy month of Ramadan begins across the globe, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited, Dr. Abdulmajeed Oladele, has extended his heartfelt greetings to Muslims worldwide.
In his message, the respected business mogul expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the privilege of witnessing this year’s sacred month.
“We glorify Allah for granting us the grace and opportunity to witness this year’s month of blessings. Ramadan is a sacred and special month for all Muslims, a month greater than many others, filled with piety, mercy, and abundant blessings.
I congratulate all Muslims across the world. Let us faithfully observe the requirements of Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) grant our heart’s desires and make this period easy and rewarding for us all.”
Dr. Oladele urged Muslims to embrace the spiritual significance of Ramadan through devotion, charity, self-discipline, and prayers for peace and prosperity.
UKA UNVEILS THREE-TIER ATC PLATFORM AS MONARCH ANNOUNCES $10BN GOLD-BACKED MILESTONE
Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning declares global recognition of ATC ecosystem, urges citizens and partners to embrace unified digital, crypto and gold-backed financial structure
The Reigning Monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA), Emperor Nobilis Prof Solomon Winning, has formally announced what he described as a historic milestone in the financial evolution of the Atlantis nation and empire worldwide, the consolidation and global recognition of the ATC financial ecosystem backed by a $10 billion gold reserve.
In a voice message released from the Office of the Throne, the Monarch expressed gratitude to God and to citizens and partners across the globe for what he termed a “defining achievement” in the journey of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
According to him, the ATC asset structure, supported by a $10 billion gold-backed certificate, has now been positioned among the world’s leading capitalisation financial platforms, ranking number 12 globally.
“We appreciate God for the milestone achieved of our 10 billion gold-backed certificate of ATC assets. We are delighted to inform our esteemed citizens, partners, viewers and friends all over the world that ATC has come to stay,” the Monarch declared.
Three Distinct but Interconnected ATC Platforms
Emperor Winning explained that the UKA Government and the Atlantis nation have officially released three integrated ATC platforms to the general public. He emphasised that while each platform serves a distinct purpose, they are structured to interact seamlessly for effective management, business transactions and global trading operations.
1.ATC Digital (Government Platform)
The first platform, known as ATC Digital, is the official government-backed digital transaction system. It is designed to facilitate digital financial operations within the UKA ecosystem and serve as the administrative and transactional backbone of the nation’s digital economy.
The Monarch described it as the formally recognised digital framework governed directly by the government under the Throne.
ATC Gold Version (Business and Trade Platform). The second platform, referred to as the ATC Gold Version, is primarily tailored for business trade, commercial exchange and transactional fluidity. It is structured to enhance business-to-business engagement, exchangeability and broader economic interaction.
“This version is mainly for business trade, business exchange and commercial transactions,” he clarified.
ATC Crown Coin (Crypto and Visitor Platform)
The third platform, known as the ATC Crown Coin, represents the Atlantis Crown Coin and is linked to what the monarch described as the Atlantean Bank Gold structure. This version operates as a crypto and digital hybrid, including visitor engagement capabilities and broader exchange functions.
(atlantisgoldbank.org
The Digital/Cryto currency Version
Atlantian Crown Gold (E-ATC) https://share.google/a7Jns9VtrMKCZ6Prk
The E-ATC purely for Trading and Exchang
Atlantean Crown (ATC) – The Future of Digital Currency https://share.google/1EhdkkDBFvBLLgfR1
The Digital version for Government
We also Have DEOS INTERNATIONAL Bank (DIB)
And ATCB)
The Monarch indicated that all three platforms are interconnected to ensure efficiency, transparency and global recognition.
“Please do not be confused. The United Kingdom of Atlantis has three major versions of ATC. Two are crypto-based, one is digital; one is also a hybrid of crypto and digital. All three interact together for effective management and effective business transactions.”
Global Recognition and Expansion Vision
Emperor Winning further asserted that the ATC ecosystem is already recognised internationally and positioned within the global financial framework. “Our platforms are presently recognised in the whole world,” he said, while encouraging existing holders of ATC assets to remain confident in the system.
He congratulated all ATC holders and reiterated the Throne’s commitment to strengthening the ecosystem’s credibility, usability and cross-platform functionality.
A Strategic Financial Architecture
Observers say the three-tier structure reflects an attempt by the United Kingdom of Atlantis to create a multi-layered financial architecture combining government-regulated digital systems, crypto-based trade platforms and gold-backed reserve credibility.
By integrating digital governance with cryptocurrency and gold certification, the UKA appears to be positioning ATC as both a sovereign-backed asset and a tradable global instrument.
As the UKA advances its financial ambitions, the monarch’s message signals a push for adoption, participation and global engagement with the ATC ecosystem.
“If you are a holder of ATC, congratulations to you from the Throne. God bless you,” the monarch concluded.
The development marks another significant chapter in the evolving digital and gold-backed finance narrative emerging from the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
FRSC@ 38: SHEHU MOHAMMED STEERING NIGERIA’S ROAD SAFETY REVOLUTION TO GREATER HEIGHTS
By Deputy Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem (Rtd) fsi, MNIM, anipr
When Mallam Shehu Mohammed assumed leadership as Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), he inherited not just an institution with history, but a national mandate that touches every family, every highway, and every community in Nigeria. At 38 years, the Corps stands tall as Africa’s model road safety agency, and under his stewardship, that legacy is not merely preserved, it is being boldly redefined.
Nigeria’s highways were once synonymous with fear. Before 1988, the World Health Organisation ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous countries in the world to drive. It was a troubling indictment that demanded courage and clarity of purpose. The establishment of the FRSC under Decree No. 45 of 1988 laid the foundation for reform. But sustaining and advancing that reform across decades requires visionary leadership, the kind now exemplified by Mallam Shehu Mohammed.
Today, under his command, the Corps is consolidating its position as one of the most technologically advanced and operationally efficient law enforcement institutions in Nigeria. With renewed strategic focus, the present leadership has deepened the Safe Systems Approach built on people, processes, and technology, ensuring that safety interventions are not reactive, but preventive and intelligence-driven.
One of the defining hallmarks of his administration is accelerated digital transformation. Within six months, over 3,000 personnel were trained to strengthen operational competence and technological adaptability. More than 95 per cent of the Corps’ administrative and operational processes are automated, supported by over 30 web-based applications that enhance traffic governance nationwide. From the National Crash Reporting Information System (NACRIS) to the upgraded e-ticketing platform, innovation is no longer optional; it is institutional culture.
Emergency response under the current Corps Marshal has become faster and more coordinated, with nationwide response time reduced dramatically from 50 minutes to 15 minutes. The 122 toll-free emergency line and 24-hour National Call Centre continue to serve as lifelines for distressed road users, reflecting a leadership that understands that every second counts.
Strategic stakeholder engagement has equally flourished. Safe corridor initiatives have been strengthened, collaboration with transport unions intensified, and enforcement around articulated vehicles tightened. The result is a significant reduction in tanker-related crashes, a development that speaks to deliberate policy direction and disciplined implementation.
Under Mallam Shehu Mohammed’s leadership, data has become a central pillar of enforcement and planning. Through strengthened collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, the National Bureau of Statistics, and the Nigeria Customs Service, the Corps has advanced harmonized data systems that support evidence-based interventions. Transparent weekly crash trend reporting now guides targeted deployment and corrective strategies.
Nigeria’s standing on the global stage has also been reinforced. The country remains an active participant in the renewed UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) and continues alignment with international road safety conventions. These achievements build on the solid foundation laid by past leaders from Olu Agunloye and General Haladu Hannaniya to Chief Osita Chidoka, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, and Dauda Ali Biu, but under the present Corps Marshal, the momentum has unmistakably intensified.
Operationally, the Corps’ footprint now spans 12 Zonal Commands, 37 Sector Commands, over 300 Unit Commands, over 700 Station Offices, 59 Zebra Emergency Ambulance Points, and presence in all 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. Yet beyond physical structures lies a stronger institutional spirit, one driven by discipline, professionalism, and accountability.
From a nation once ranked among the most unsafe for motorists to a continental pacesetter in road safety management, Nigeria’s transformation story is inseparable from the strength of its leadership. At 38 years, FRSC is not simply celebrating longevity; it is celebrating purposeful stewardship.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed represents a generation of reform-minded leadership committed to smarter mobility systems, data-driven enforcement, and people-centered safety administration.
His tenure reflects continuity with courage sustaining the Corps’ proud legacy while boldly steering it toward greater innovation and measurable impact.
The road ahead is demanding. But under his steady command, Nigeria’s highways are safer, its systems smarter, and its future brighter.
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