The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime flight ban earlier imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger penalised for unruly conduct.
AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, announced the decision in a statement on Thursday, noting that it followed an appeal by the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo.
Mr Okonkwo said the operators considered several factors before reversing the sanction, including Ms Emmanson’s expression of remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, the dismissal of charges against her and her release from custody.
He also commended the Federal Government for introducing a retreat to retrain aviation security staff and airline crew on managing disruptive passengers.
He urged aviation agencies to step up public enlightenment on the risks and legal consequences of unruly behaviour, as stipulated in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Emmanson was recently discharged by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos after Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out a five-count charge against her, which included allegations of disrupting peace on an Ibom Air flight and assaulting a crew member.
Her release followed the withdrawal of the complaint by the airline and a directive from the police.
Following her release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Delta State Governor’s aide Ossai Success offered her a job with a monthly salary of N500,000 and an all-expenses-paid luxury trip to Delta State, including flight tickets, a stay in a five-star hotel, a guided tour and a ticket to the Delta Social Media Summit on August 28 in Asaba.
Emmanson, who has thanked her supporters, said she would rest and seek medical treatment before sharing her full account of the incident.
