Activist slams gov’t over Ibom Air incident, calls for passenger rights

Calls for change after Comfort Bob’s airport ordeal
International rights advocate Alhaji Musa Saidu is speaking out against how the Nigerian government handled the recent case of Comfort Bob, a passenger on Ibom Air who was quickly taken to court and sent to Kirikiri Prison—before the charges were later dropped.

Saidu, who heads the International Human Rights Commission (Ecology and Marine), says the situation was mishandled and reflects bigger problems with how travellers are treated in Nigeria.

Passenger experience needs fixing, says Saidu
Saidu believes the incident could’ve been a turning point to re-evaluate how air passengers are treated—from the airport screening process to how disputes are resolved.

“Even basic procedures at airports can feel undignified. While no one is excusing bad behavior, we have to look at what causes these flare-ups,” he said.

Airlines and airports need to step up
He’s calling on airlines and government agencies to upgrade their customer service game—focusing on better communication, fair dispute resolution, and clearer policies around ticketing and scheduling.

Saidu also stressed the need for stronger transport infrastructure across the country, noting that delays and frequent flight rescheduling often leave travellers frustrated and stranded.

The bigger picture: improving travel in Nigeria
Sharing his own experiences with inconsistent flight operations, Saidu argued that better planning and honest communication can ease tension between passengers and airlines.

“With better service and infrastructure, we can avoid incidents like this and create a travel experience that actually respects the customer,” he said.