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Comfort Emmanson: Fresh details on release date for Ibom Air passenger as lifetime ban lifted
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has announced that Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behavior on an Ibom Air flight, is expected to be released within this week.
In a statement posted on X, Keyamo indicated that the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to revoke the lifetime ban previously imposed on her.
Keyamo explained that this decision followed the withdrawal of a complaint by Ibom Air and subsequent consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
He further noted that Emmanson exhibited “great remorse” for her actions during her questioning by the police, which occurred in the presence of her attorney.
He stated, “Following the withdrawal of the complaint by the complainant, the Commissioner of Police for Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will take the necessary steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.”
Additionally, he communicated his discussions with the leadership of the AON, where he advocated for the lifting of the permanent flying ban, which they agreed to.
The AON will publicly communicate the details of this resolution at a later date. According to videos circulated on X, the passenger was observed assaulting a flight attendant and aggressively engaging with airport security officials.
The incident, which took place on August 10, reportedly began shortly before takeoff from Uyo when she refused to adhere to standard aviation safety protocols, specifically the directive to switch off her mobile phone.
In response, Ibom Air implemented a travel restriction against her, stating that she would be prohibited from flying on any of its aircraft. Consequently, the passenger faced legal charges and was remanded to the Kirikiri Correctional Facility. Furthermore, the AON listed Emmanson on its “no-fly” roster indefinitely, categorizing her actions as among the most egregious cases of unruly behavior observed this year.