The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is considering appointing Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger involved in an altercation on a flight from Uyo to Lagos, as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
The decision comes after Emmanson’s release from prison on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, following the withdrawal of the complaint against her.
Keyamo said in a statement on Wednesday that the operators were looking at the option of “using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse,” as their “ambassador for good passenger conduct”.
While addressing the reactions generated by the decision, the minister said the government had been “fair to all”.
According to the minister, “Whilst the aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own ambassador for good passenger conduct.
“It is left for the AON to work out those details since she was actually released from prison custody today [Wednesday, August 13, 2025] based on my earlier statement. Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” he added in the post.
Emmanson was accused of assaulting a flight attendant and being confrontational with security agents at the Lagos airport on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
The incident led to her arraignment before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on criminal charges and remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State on Monday, August 11, 2025.
However, she was discharged on Wednesday after the five counts against her were struck out.
The proposed ambassadorial role for Emmanson would be voluntary, with no financial benefits attached.
Keyamo emphasised that such roles were akin to community service, where repentant individuals publicly speak against their past misconduct.
The minister also mentioned that KWAM 1, a Fuji musician involved in a separate incident, was being considered for a similar role in promoting airport security protocols.
Keyamo clarified that the ambassadorial role would not come with any official perks or benefits, contrary to popular perception in Nigeria.
“It is common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented.
”It is akin to community service. It is not paid for, and it is voluntary service, ” he said.
The decision to consider Emmanson for the ambassadorial role has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the government’s motives.
However, Keyamo maintained that the government has been fair to all parties involved.
