FG, Ibom Air Make U-turn, Drop Criminal Charges Against Assaulted Passenger, Comfort Emmanson
The Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn the criminal charges preferred against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the embattled passenger of Nigeria’s local carrier, Ibom Air who was hurriedly sent to prison for “unruly” behavior.
The government also reduced the “no fly” ban on Fuji musician, Wasiu Anyinde Marshal aka, KWAM 1
Announcing the new development, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said that the decision was taken after series of consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to the minister, the resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and considering the remorse shown by those involved.
Keyamo revealed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 in Lagos.
According to the minister, “when the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”
On KWAM1, the minister said that “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1.”
He said that following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with details to be announced soon.
Also, on disciplinary action taken on the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce his ban to one month. FAAN also plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol
It was revealed that the one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after mandatory professional reappraisal.
The minister announced that a retreat where aviation security across Nigeria will be brought up-to-date on how to manage disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations will be treated.
The minister, however, denied that the decisions were due to public outcry insisting that. “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
Nigerians from all walks of life had berated the unprofessional conduct of aviation workers as exemplified by the conduct of both ValueJet and Ibom Air in the las two weeks.
Many Nigerians took to the social media to call for boycott of the services of Ibom Air after their passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson who was assaulted and stripped naked and videos made of her and circulated online.
Organisations including the Nigerian Bar Association have called for the reversal of the punitive measures meted on Ms. Emmanson.
