In a dramatic turn of events, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime ban earlier slammed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger once accused of unruly conduct, marking the end of a turbulent chapter in her life.
The decision, announced on Thursday by AON spokesperson, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, followed a chain of significant developments — her expression of deep remorse, the withdrawal of Ibom Air’s complaint, the dismissal of all charges against her, and her subsequent release from Kirikiri Prison.
Okonkwo revealed that the decision came after a careful review, commending the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, whose intervention facilitated the resolution. He lauded the Federal Government’s initiative to introduce retraining retreats for Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and airline crew, aimed at improving the handling of disruptive passenger incidents.
The AON further urged aviation agencies to step up public education on the dangers and legal consequences of unruly behaviour onboard aircraft, citing Section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023. Such misconduct, he warned, includes assault or threats against crew members, disobeying safety instructions, smoking in prohibited areas, fighting, disorderly behaviour, or tampering with aircraft equipment.
He reminded the public that pilots-in-command and AVSEC officers are legally empowered to restrain and eject disruptive passengers, handing them over to relevant authorities to safeguard flight safety and passenger welfare.
> “We confirm that members shall cooperate fully with the relevant aviation agencies and participate in the proposed retraining retreats on handling cases of unruly and disruptive passengers, as directed by the Honourable Minister,” Okonkwo stated.
In a twist that could be described as a fairytale ending, Emmanson’s fortunes appear to have dramatically reversed. SaharaReporters earlier reported that Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has unveiled a life-changing package for her.
Through an Instagram announcement on Wednesday, Ossai revealed that he had secured a job in Delta State with a monthly salary of ₦500,000 for Emmanson. The offer also comes with an all-expenses-paid trip to Delta, including flight tickets, luxury accommodation in a five-star hotel, guided tours, and VIP attendance at the Delta Social Media Summit scheduled for August 28 in Asaba.
> “I’m offering Comfort Emmanson a complimentary trip to Delta State, known as the Big Heart and the Home of the Global Tourism Hub. In addition, she will be taking up a new job with a ₦500,000 monthly salary,” Ossai wrote.
The transformation of Comfort Emmanson’s fate — from incarceration to an enviable new beginning — underscores the power of intervention, rehabilitation, and second chances. It is a story that has captured the nation’s attention and sparked conversations on how incidents in the aviation sector can be handled with firmness yet tempered with compassion.
PIONEER NEWS 