By Rosemary Okoduwa
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an unruly passenger who was arrested and charged for her behavior on an Ibom Airline flight. The minister also reduced the flight ban imposed on musician Kwam 1, who was involved in a similar incident.
According to the minister’s statement, Emmanson has shown remorse for her actions, and the airline has agreed to withdraw its complaint against her. The minister has also appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, and they have agreed. This development paves the way for Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri Prisons, where she has been held since her arrest.
Similarly, the minister also announced that Kwam 1’s flight ban would be reduced to a one-month period. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will also withdraw its criminal complaints against the musician, who has publicly demonstrated penitence. Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with Kwam 1 to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
The minister has also directed all relevant aviation agencies to undergo a retreat next week to retrain and prepare their security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers. The retreat will be covered by the press, providing an opportunity for transparency and accountability.
In his statement, Minister Keyamo emphasized that the decisions were taken on compassionate grounds, but also sent a clear message that safety and security in the aviation sector would be taken seriously. He warned that future incidents would be met with strict enforcement of the law.
This marks a new era for aviation security in Nigeria, with a focus on compassion, accountability, and professionalism. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is expected that these measures will help to improve the overall safety and security of air travel in the country
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