Comfort Emmanson, the passenger at the center of the recent high-profile altercation with Ibom Air crew, has publicly apologized for her actions during the incident while also calling for more respect for passenger dignity in Nigerian aviation.
In a statement, Emmanson acknowledged that she “could have handled herself better” and expressed regret, stating: “Airplanes are safety-critical environments, and crew instructions matter. If my words or actions contributed to disorder on board, I am sorry for that. I do not condone violence. I am cooperating fully with any fair process that seeks the truth.”
Emmanson admitted that while she was attempting to put her phone on flight mode, the exchange with a crew member became tense and escalated.
However, she described her experience as being “provoked, intimidated, and singled out,” claiming an eyewitness told the media that a crew member “threatened to deal with” her.
Read Also: List Of Offers Comfort Emmanson Received From Businessmen And Public Figures
She also alleged that after the flight landed, she was forcibly removed and restrained, which resulted in her being exposed while being filmed.
She said, “In the struggle, my clothing was disheveled, leaving me exposed while being filmed. No one deserves to be treated without dignity — even in conflict.”
Following the incident, Emmanson was detained but was discharged on August 13 after the Federal Government ordered the withdrawal of her case.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had initially imposed a lifetime ban on her flying with Nigerian carriers, but she noted that “multiple outlets report that airlines have lifted the lifetime ban following the review by authorities.” Emmanson added that she appreciates this “step toward fairness.”
In her statement, she called for a balanced review of the events and stronger protections for passengers. “I’m asking for clear guidelines that protect safety and the dignity of passengers, including strict prohibitions on filming or exposing restrained individuals,” she said.
She ended by thanking her supporters and added that she is “healing and I’m hopeful. I will share more when the formal processes conclude.”
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
To Publish Articles, News, Place Advert, Contact Informant Online With Email Link Below: informantonline.com.ng@gmail.com
