The Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over alleged unruly behaviour on a Lagos-bound flight from Uyo, has regained her freedom.
Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami of the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court discharged Emmanson on Wednesday after the five counts filed against her were struck out, following the withdrawal of the case.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the release, stating, “Emmanson has gone home from the court. I can confirm that.”
According to Keyamo, the decision came after consultations with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in the incident. He said the development followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, remorse shown by the passenger, and an agreement by Ibom Air to withdraw its complaint.
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, August 10, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against her today. When the police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” the minister stated.
Keyamo also revealed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban earlier placed on Emmanson. He condemned her conduct but also criticised the leaking of a viral indecent video from the incident, directing action against those responsible for circulating it.
Emmanson was accused of assaulting a flight attendant and confronting security agents at the Lagos airport, leading to her arraignment on criminal charges and detention after failing to provide adequate sureties.
