An Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, has discharged Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami freed Emmanson on Wednesday after the police formally withdrew the five-count charge filed against her.
The decision followed an earlier announcement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who said resolutions were reached after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to him, the case was dropped after “reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and taking into account the remorse shown by those involved.”
Keyamo explained that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, who was arrested in connection with the incident that occurred on August 10.
“We believe valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides, and this matter can now be laid to rest,” the minister added.
Emmanson, who was arraigned on Monday, had been granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum but was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet her bail conditions.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecuting counsel, Oluwabunmi Adeitan, informed the court that new developments necessitated the withdrawal of the case. She tendered an application for the discontinuance, which Magistrate Salami granted.
