The Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the case against Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.
The directive followed Emmanson’s remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos after she allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and clashed with airport security operatives. She was arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on criminal charges but failed to provide adequate sureties for bail.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday after consultations with key aviation stakeholders and parties involved in recent incidents of unruly passenger behaviour at airports. He noted that all sides had shown remorse and valuable lessons had been learned, especially regarding airport security protocols.
Keyamo also condemned the circulation of a viral indecent video showing Emmanson’s torn clothing, ordering action against Ibom Air officials who leaked the footage.
Following appeals from well-meaning individuals, he said Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint, paving the way for Emmanson’s release from prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also lifted the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her.
According to Keyamo, “clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved,” and the resolution marks an end to the dispute.
