Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that airline operators are considering making Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the recently freed Ibom Air passenger, an ambassador for promoting proper passenger behaviour.
Emmanson, who had been jailed following an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight, regained her freedom on Wednesday after government intervention led to the withdrawal of the airline’s complaint.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle, Keyamo explained that the proposed role for Emmanson—similar to one being considered for Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) in a separate matter—would be voluntary and without financial remuneration.
“While the Aviation agencies are considering KWAM 1 for such a role, my discussion with the Airline Operators of Nigeria last night indicates they may also engage Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has expressed remorse, as their Ambassador for good passenger conduct. This is entirely at the discretion of the AON, as she was officially released from prison custody today,” Keyamo stated.
The minister emphasised that such appointments are not formal positions but are a form of public service often assigned to reformed individuals in Nigeria and across the world.
“It is standard practice globally for a repentant offender to publicly advocate against the misconduct they once engaged in—similar to community service. It’s voluntary, unpaid, and purely symbolic,” he added.
Emmanson’s case began during a Uyo-to-Lagos flight when she allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, leading to a heated altercation that disrupted operations. She was arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced for disorderly conduct. Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria subsequently imposed a lifetime flight ban on her—a decision criticised by the Nigerian Bar Association and human rights groups as excessive.
Similarly, on August 5, KWAM 1 had a confrontation with airline and security staff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He was accused of attempting to board a ValueJet flight with a prohibited alcohol flask, spilling its contents on personnel, and obstructing the aircraft on the tarmac.
