Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that airline operators are considering appointing Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger recently freed from prison, as an ambassador for good passenger conduct.
Emmanson, who was jailed following a confrontation aboard an Ibom Air flight, regained her freedom on Wednesday after government intervention and the airline’s decision to withdraw its complaint.
In a statement posted on his verified X account, Keyamo explained that the role under consideration would be voluntary and without financial rewards.
He added that Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, was also being lined up for a similar role in a separate case.
“Whilst the Aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria, 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,” Keyamo stated.
“It is left for the AON to work out those details since she has been actually released from prison custody today 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.
Clarifying the nature of the ambassadorial role, the minister stressed that it was a form of community service, not a government appointment.
“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.
Emmanson’s case drew nationwide attention after she allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during takeoff on a flight from Uyo to Lagos, leading to a heated exchange with crew members.
The incident resulted in her arrest, prosecution, and a lifetime ban by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria — a decision that sparked criticism from the Nigerian Bar Association and human rights advocates, who raised concerns about due process.
Similarly, KWAM 1 was involved in an altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, earlier this month.
He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on airport staff, and obstructing a plane’s movement on the tarmac.
Keyamo emphasised that in both cases, the focus was on promoting better passenger behaviour rather than punitive measures alone.