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On Aug. 10, 2025, social media in Nigeria was agog with viral videos capturing an altercation between a flight attendant and a passenger of Ibom Air, a Nigerian airline service.
Several clips circulating on the internet showed that Comfort Emmanson, a passenger, engaged in disruptive behaviour by refusing to comply with safety instructions while flying en route from Uyo to Lagos State.
Media reports show that the flight attendant asked the passenger to switch off her phone before the plane departed from Uyo, causing the rift.
Looking at the growing controversies about the rationale behind switching off phones during flight journeys, DUBAWA decided to explore the position of the Nigerian law on it.
Why passengers should switch off their phones
As culled from the Vanguard newspaper, passengers flying in Nigeria may be asked to switch off their mobile gadgets for three reasons:
- To prevent signal interference with aircraft systems.
- To protect pilot ground communication.
- To avoid passenger distraction during safety briefings and emergencies.
The newspaper explained that mobile devices emit radio signals as they search for a network. At cruising height, these signals may interfere with sensitive cockpit instruments, including navigation and communication systems. Although modern aircraft are designed with shielding, any small disturbance could still pose risks during critical moments like takeoff and landing.
Also, pilots communicate with air traffic control through radio frequencies that must remain clear and uninterrupted. Multiple phones emitting signals can introduce background static or distortion, potentially making it harder for pilots to receive precise instructions especially during emergencies.
Similarly, phones can easily divert passengers’ attention from safety demonstrations or important announcements. In emergencies, a ringing or active call could delay evacuation or cause passengers to miss life-saving instructions from the crew.
Experts weigh in with the legal basis
Mustapha Adua, Nigeria’s first professor of aviation law, told DUBAWA that there is a legal justification for airlines asking passengers to switch off their phones. The justification, he said, was established under Section 85 (3) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Act 2022.
“It is to the effect that no person, including the passengers, airline crews and others, should operate any electronic device, including a mobile phone, while on board aircraft, especially during take off and landing,” he said.
Adua cautioned that if this rule of law is flouted, there are consequences attached to it.
The punishment is stated in the same section, thus,
“Any person who, against instruction of the pilot-in-command or a flight crew member or cabin crew, uses or operates any equipment or device including mobile phone that may interfere with the aircraft radio frequency or other navigational equipment onboard aircraft commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not more than N200,000 or imprisonment for a term of at least two months or both.”
Adua said that although punishment can only be meted upon proof beyond a reasonable doubt and due regard for the right to fair hearing, an offender may be asked to pay a fine, face two months imprisonment, or both.
Another lawyer, Animasaun Iyanuoluwa, concurred with Mr Adua. He said there is a legal basis for requiring passengers to switch off their phones while on a flight.
The Abuja-based legal practitioner said that with Section 85(3) of the same Act, any instruction given by the pilot-in-chief, the cabin crew or any protocol officer should be adhered to rigorously.
“This includes the directive to switch off phones when instructed. And in the event that such an instruction is not obeyed, it is not just a mere act of insubordination but also a criminal offence. However, passengers on board may be permitted to leave their phones on aeroplane mode.”
Ridwan said that although he is aware that in other countries like the UK or the US, passengers are allowed to keep their phones on aeroplane mode during flights.
“However, the same does not automatically apply in Nigeria. Failure to comply goes to the root of the matter and can lead to prosecution.”
Conclusion
Nigerian laws stipulate that passengers on aircraft should abide by the instructions given by the airline authorities, including switching off phones during flights. Failure to comply may lead to prosecution.
