Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, says Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour onboard an Ibom Air flight, will be released this week.
In a press statement on X, Keyamo added that the Airlines
Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime ban placed on her.
He said the move followed the withdrawal of a complaint by
Ibom Air and consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
The minister added that Emmanson, when questioned by the
police in the presence of her lawyer, showed “great remorse” for her conduct.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the
Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will
immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri
Prisons within this week,” Keyamo said.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline
Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time
flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed.”
He said details of the resolution will be made public by the
AON subsequently.
According to videos shared on X, an enraged female passenger
was seen assaulting a flight attendant on the aircraft and confronting airport
security officials.
Speaking on the matter, Ibom Air said the incident, which
occurred on August 10, began shortly before takeoff from Uyo when the passenger
refused to comply with standard aviation safety procedures requiring her to
switch off her mobile phone.
In reaction, the airline imposed a travel restriction on
her, adding that she will no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.
The passenger was further charged and remanded in Kirikiri
correctional facility.
In addition, the AON placed Emmanson on its “no-fly” list
for life over what it described as “one of the most severe cases of unruly
behaviour witnessed this year”.
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