Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over alleged unruly behavior on a flight from Uyo to Lagos, has been released.
She was discharged on Wednesday by Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami after all five charges against her were struck out, following the withdrawal of the case.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed her release in a brief message to Channels Television, stating, “Emmanson has gone home from the court. I can confirm that.”
Keyamo explained that the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation industry, in light of recent incidents involving disruptive behavior at airports.
Emmanson had been accused of assaulting a flight attendant and confronting security personnel at the Lagos airport. She was subsequently arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Monday and remanded after failing to meet bail conditions.
Her arrest and detention sparked widespread public outcry and condemnation from civil society groups and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which criticized Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for their handling of the matter.
In addition to denouncing Emmanson’s conduct, the aviation minister also condemned the viral video showing her with a torn top, exposing her upper body. He stated that disciplinary action had been ordered against Ibom Air officials responsible for leaking the footage.
On Wednesday, Keyamo announced a reversal, saying all parties involved had learned from the episode. He added that the incident had drawn attention to the importance of observing airport security protocols.
“Following deliberations—including appeals from well-meaning individuals and the remorse shown by those involved—I asked Ibom Air to withdraw the complaint against Ms. Emmanson,” he said.
He noted that during her police interview, conducted in the presence of her lawyer, Emmanson expressed deep remorse for her behavior.
Keyamo also revealed he had engaged with the leadership of the AON and persuaded them to lift the lifetime no-fly ban imposed on her. He said further details on the resolution would be shared by AON in due course.
