The Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON) has announced the lifting of the lifetime ban imposed on Comfort Emmason, an Ibom Air passenger, who was previously penalised for unruly conduct.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, August 14, by AON spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the decision came after an appeal from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN).
Okonkwo said the operators agreed to lift the sanction after considering all relevant factors, such as Emmason’s expression of remorse, the withdrawal of the complaint, the dismissal of charges, and her release from custody.
He praised the Federal Government for introducing a retreat to retrain aviation security staff and airline crew on managing disruptive passengers.
He called on aviation agencies to enhance public awareness about the risks and legal repercussions of unruly behaviour, as provided in Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Such conduct, he pointed out, covers assault or threats to crew members, refusal to follow safety instructions, smoking in restricted areas, fighting, disorderly actions, or interfering with aircraft equipment.
The AON stressed that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers have the authority to restrain and de-board disruptive passengers, handing them over to competent authorities to ensure flight safety and order.
“We confirm that members shall cooperate with the relevant aviation agencies and participate in the retraining retreats on how to handle cases of unruly and disruptive passengers as proposed by the minister,” Okonkwo added.
Meanwhile, in a statement released on Wednesday, August 13, Emmason thanked Nigerians for their support during her ordeal, promising to give her own side of the story once she recovers fully.
She said: “Thank you so much for all the Prayers, love, and support, I have been released from the Prison, but I am still in pains due to how I was treated. l just need some rest and medical treatment before l give out my own version of the event.
“Thank you so much my lovely friends and supporters. I really appreciate you all from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all.”
Persecondnews reports that Emmanson, who was on board the Uyo to Lagos flight, had in a viral video repeatedly slapped a purser with Ibom Aircraft after she was allegedly told to switch off her phone before takeoff.
The airline, in a statement issued on Monday, banned the passenger from flying its aircraft.
Ibom Air said the incident began before take-off from Uyo when Emmanson refused to comply with safety procedures requiring passengers to switch off their mobile phones.
According to the airline, a fellow passenger seated beside her switched off the phone, sparking a verbal tirade.
The carrier said that upon arrival in Lagos, Emmanson confronted the purser, who had earlier instructed her to switch off her phone and physically assaulted her.
It also maintained that the passenger attempted to forcibly remove a fire extinguisher to use as a weapon, an act they described as “an intention to damage and ground the aircraft”.
Ibom Air added that her behaviour posed a serious threat to the safety of its crew, passengers, and aircraft.
Following Keyamo’s intervention, the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court discharged the case after Ibom Air withdrew the criminal complaints against her, and was subsequently released.
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