- Safiu Kehinde
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the life-time ‘No Fly’ ban imposed on Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, who allegedly assaulted a crew member and airport security personnel.
NPO Reported that Emmanson was on Tuesday slammed with indefinite ban from flying over an her physical assault of an air hostess onboard Uyo-to-Lagos Ibom Air flight on Sunday.
As captured in a viral video shared across social media platforms on Monday, the unruly passenger hit the air hostess on her face at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
While been dragged off the plane by security operatives, Emmanson was stripped naked with the uncensored video of the incident circulated online.
The video alongside her swift arraignment and remand in Kirikiri correctional centre had triggered mixed reaction from the public.
Amid the controversies surrounding the incident, the Minister of Aviation ans Aerosapce Development, Festus Keyamo, would on Wednesday ordered her release from custody with all criminal charges filed against her dropped by the relevant authorities.
Keyamo had also directed the AON to lift the lifetime ban imposed on the unruly Ibom Air passenger.
In compliance with the aviation minster’s directive, the AON, in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, lifted the ban.
Okonkwo said that the operators reached the decision after the intervention of Keyamo.
According to him, AON considered all the circumstances of the matter, including the exhibition of remorse for her behavior, as reported, the withdrawal of the complaint and consequent striking out of all charges.
He said: “AON hereby lifted the life ban placed on Emmanson from flying with any AON-member airline for life.
“Calls on the relevant aviation agencies to immediately commence the sensitisation of the public on the dangers and consequences of unruly behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft.
“As spelt out in section 85 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022 and Part 17 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
“Believes that incidents of unruly and disruptive behaviour at airport terminals and onboard aircraft will greatly reduce,”.
As a means of enlightenment, Okonkwo further said that unruly behaviour included, but was not limited to, assaulting, intimidating, or threatening any flight or cabin crew member.
“Using a mobile phone and or other communication or electronic gadget on board aircraft against the instruction of the pilot-in-command or flight crew or cabin crew.
“Smoking on board aircraft or in a non-smoking area of the terminal building; fighting or other disorderly conduct on board an aircraft or at the terminal building.
“Any conduct constituting a nuisance to other passengers; disobedience of lawful instruction issued by the pilot-in-command, flight crew, cabin crew, check-in-staff and or security screening staff.
“Any conduct that endangers the safety of flight operations; tampering with smoke detectors or other aircraft equipment,” said.
He reiterates the power of the pilot-in-command or an AVSEC officer, as provided in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, to restrain and de-board an unruly and disruptive passenger.
“The pilot-in-charge can take all necessary measures to protect the safety of the aircraft, the terminal building or of persons and property therein.
“To maintain good order and discipline on board or at the terminal building and to enable him to deliver such a person to competent authorities.
“Confirms 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,” he said.
Okonkwo reaffirmed airline operators’ zero-tolerance policy towards unruly passenger behavior, and enjoined aggrieved passengers to follow proper channels in expressing their grievances.