An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday discharged Ms. Comfort Emmason of charges of unruly behaviour and assaulting the flight crew aboard an Ibom Air aircraft from Uyo to Lagos. Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge after the police prosecution team confirmed that Ibom Air had withdrawn the case.
Ms. Emmason, who has been in Kirikiri Prison since the August 10 incident, is expected to be released within the week following the court’s decision.
Earlier, the Federal Government and airline operators agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on Ms. Emmason. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated on his official X account that the resolution came after consultations with aviation stakeholders, appeals from concerned individuals, and expressions of remorse from Ms. Emmason.
The minister also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) supported the lifting of the ban. In addition, Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1) had his suspension reduced to one month as part of the broader agreement with airlines and aviation authorities.