Saturday, September 26, 2026

After publicly humiliating irate Emmanson, Ibom Air, other airlines to make her ‘ambassador’

Ms Emmanson “has been actually released from prison custody today” said the aviation minister.

• August 14, 2025
Emmanson being dragged by Ibom staff
Emmanson being dragged by Ibom staff

Airline Operators of Nigeria is considering engaging Comfort Emmanson, the unruly Ibom Air passenger who was stripped naked as security officials tried to get her out of the plane on Sunday.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo disclosed this in a statement, explaining why Fuji musician Wasiu ‘KWAM1’ Ayinde, an ally of President Bola Tinubu, who held a ValueJet aircraft hostage last week, was also appointed as an ambassador of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

“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,” Mr Keyamo said.

The minister also said, Ms Emmanson, who was remanded in Kirikiri Prisons for engaging Ibom Air officials in a fight, “has been actually released from prison custody today”.

Clarifying FAAN’s decision to engage KWAM1 as their ambassador, Mr Keyamo said it is a normal practice and such a move should not elicit criticisms.

“For further clarification, 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,” Mr Keyamo said. “Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘Ambassador’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free. It is not the first time it is happening in Nigeria, and it will not be the last . Examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria.”

Both KWAM1 and Ms Emmanson have trended in the news mill since videos of their disruptive actions at the airport went viral on social media. KWAM1, in a video, has apologised for his actions, while Ms Emmanson is yet to be seen since she was reportedly released from detention.

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