THE Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the case against Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger involved in an onboard altercation on August 10, 2025.
The decision follows consultations between the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Emmanson had been accused of assaulting a flight attendant and clashing with security personnel at the airport, leading to her arraignment before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after she failed to meet bail conditions.
The incident, which was captured in a viral video showing her clothing torn and upper body exposed, drew widespread condemnation, including from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The NBA criticised both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria for their handling of the matter.
Minister Keyamo, while condemning Emmanson’s conduct, also faulted the circulation of the indecent footage and directed action against those responsible for the leak.
He noted that both the passenger and airline staff bore responsibility for the incident.
Following appeals from concerned individuals and expressions of remorse from Emmanson, Keyamo said Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint.
This move will facilitate her release from Kirikiri prison this week, with the lifetime flight ban imposed on her also lifted by the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
Keyamo described the episode as regrettable but emphasised that it had brought valuable lessons for both passengers and aviation workers, as well as heightened public awareness of airport security protocols.