It's been years since I have had an SB28, so I'm trying to go from my poor memory. I do have F100 cameras. I use SB-800 strobes now. I never turn off the AF illuminator.
It might be that the SB28 will use the AF illuminator when the F100 is set for auto-focus. Try turning the camera to manuel focus to see if the illuminator turns off. Also try moving the strobe head up to bounce position. I've noticed some strobes will turn off the illuminator when the strobe head is positioned off its locked centered forward flash position.
When in doubt, read the manuel.