Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, says Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour onboard an Ibom Air flight, will be released this week.
In a statement on X, Keyamo added that the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime ban placed on her.
He said the move followed the withdrawal of a complaint by Ibom Air and consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
The minister added that Emmanson, when questioned by the police in the presence of her lawyer, showed “great remorse” for her conduct.
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“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week,” Keyamo said.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed.”
He said details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.
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According to videos shared on X, an enraged female passenger was seen assaulting a flight attendant on the aircraft and confronting airport security officials.
Speaking on the matter, Ibom Air said the incident, which occurred on August 10, began shortly before takeoff from Uyo when the passenger refused to comply with standard aviation safety procedures requiring her to switch off her mobile phone.
In reaction, the airline imposed a travel restriction on her, adding that she will no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.
The passenger was further charged and remanded in Kirikiri correctional facility.
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In addition, the AON placed Emmanson on its “no-fly” list for life over what it described as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year”.
