FG orders withdrawal of case against Ibom Air passenger

The Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the case against Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in an incident on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and subsequently remanded in prison

The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. He said the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Emmanson had allegedly attacked a flight attendant and clashed with airport security operatives, leading to her arraignment and remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Lagos State.

Her imprisonment sparked public outrage, drawing criticism from civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who condemned both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for the handling of the incident.

In a reversal on Wednesday, Keyamo said the parties involved had learned lessons and that the incident had helped raise public awareness on airport security protocols and acceptable conduct while travelling.

“Clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and airline staff, and all parties involved must acknowledge their culpability,” the minister stated.

Following deliberations, appeals from concerned individuals, and remorse shown by Emmanson, Keyamo said he persuaded Ibom Air to withdraw the complaint against her.

“As of today, Ibom Air has withdrawn the complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson. When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he said.

The minister confirmed that Emmanson will be released from Kirikiri Prison immediately, and the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her will also be lifted.

“Following the withdrawal of the complaint, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will take the necessary steps to facilitate her release within this week. I have also appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria to lift the lifetime flying ban, which they have agreed to do. Details of the resolution will be made public by the AON,” Keyamo added.

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