The Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the case against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who was accused of assaulting an Ibom Air crew member on August 10 and was subsequently remanded in prison.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, explained that the decision was made after consulting with “critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector.”
Keyamo noted that the parties involved in the incident had learned their lessons and that the case had raised public awareness of airport security protocols.
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The minister had previously confirmed Emmanson’s arraignment before a magistrates’ court on Monday but had also condemned the viral circulation of an indecent video of her.
The Federal Government’s U-turn follows widespread public outrage and condemnation from groups like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over the handling of the incident.
“In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports in recent.
“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.
“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved, from all the evidence available to us and that available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability,” the Minister’s statement read in part.
Following deliberations, “including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors”, Keyamo said he had prevailed on Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against Emmason.
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 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.”
Keyamo noted that the female Ibom passenger will be released from Kirikiri prison immediately, and the lifetime flying ban will also be lifted.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”
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