The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting a crew member, and directed the lifting of the lifetime ban earlier imposed on her by Nigerian airlines.
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the move on Wednesday, saying it followed consultations with stakeholders, appeals from respected Nigerians, and expressions of remorse by those involved in recent high-profile aviation incidents.
Emmanson was arrested and remanded in Kirikiri Prison after allegedly slapping a purser on an Ibom Air flight on August 10. Keyamo said the airline had agreed to drop its complaint, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would lift the flight ban. The Airport Command’s Commissioner of Police and the police prosecutor are to complete the process for her release this week.
“The incidents revealed wrongs on both sides – from passengers and airline staff alike – and all must acknowledge their equal culpability,” Keyamo said.
In a separate case involving ValueJet and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his indefinite flight ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint. The music star will also be engaged as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
The same one-month suspension applies to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after a mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo ordered aviation and relevant government agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on de-escalating conflicts with disruptive passengers. Airlines will also hold dedicated sessions on staff conduct towards travellers.
The minister stressed the decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds, warning that the government would not compromise on aviation safety and security.
"We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he said.
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