By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
The Federal Government has officially withdrawn the criminal case against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger involved in a recent altercation on an Ibom Air flight. The decision was announced on Wednesday in a statement issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
The withdrawal comes after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, including airline operators, security agencies, and regulatory authorities. These discussions were prompted by public concern over the handling of recent incidents involving air travel.
Ms. Emmanson was arrested on August 10, 2025, following a dispute with flight crew during a flight from Uyo to Lagos. The incident, which was widely circulated online, sparked national discussion on airline protocols, passenger conduct, and the role of security personnel in such cases.
According to the minister, Ms. Emmanson expressed remorse during a police interview conducted in the presence of her lawyer. After reviewing the matter with Ibom Air and relevant agencies, the government decided to drop the charges.
Instructions have been given to the Commissioner of Police at the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor to facilitate Ms. Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri Prisons by the end of the week.
In a related development, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime ban previously placed on Ms. Emmanson.
The Ministry stated that the actions were taken on compassionate grounds and are part of a broader review aimed at improving how disciplinary matters are handled within the aviation industry, while maintaining the necessary standards for safety and order.
