bloomshorts The Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the case against Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.
The development came after Emmason was remanded in prison following the incident. A statement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday, said the move was necessitated following 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 of recent.
Channels Television reported that Emmanson had allegedly attacked a flight attendant and clashed with security operatives at the airport. The alleged assault led to her being arraigned and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State on Monday.
Reacting to the incident in a statement posted on his X page on Monday, Keyamo confirmed that Ms Emmanson was arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on criminal charges. He condemned her actions, noting that she was remanded because she failed to provide adequate sureties in court.
However, the minister also criticised the circulation of the viral indecent video, which showed Ms Emmanson’s top torn and her upper body exposed. He said he ordered action against the Ibom Air officials who leaked the footage.
Her prison remand has since sparked further outrage among civil societies, the public, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which condemned Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria for the unfair manner in which the incident was handled.
In a U-turn on Wednesday, Keymao said parties involved in the incidents have learnt their lessons. He also said the incident had raised public awareness of airport security protocols regarding travelling.
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.
Keyamo noted that the female Ibom passenger will be released from Kirikir prison immediately, and the lifetime flying ban will also be lifted.
