FG Orders Withdrawal Of Case Against Ibom Airline Passenger

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the court case against Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of disruptive conduct on an August 10, 2025 flight.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced this decision on Wednesday after holding extensive consultations with key aviation stakeholders and the parties involved in recent high-profile airport incidents.

Authorities arrested Emmanson in Uyo after she allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and engaged in a heated confrontation with airport security. Law enforcement then arraigned her before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.

She was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet her bail conditions.

The case quickly drew national attention. A leaked video showing Emmanson partially exposed during the incident sparked outrage across the country.

Civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, and many members of the public condemned both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), accusing them of excessive and humiliating treatment.

Speaking on the matter, Keyamo explained that he had personally intervened to resolve the escalating controversy.

He stated that all sides involved had now acknowledged their mistakes and agreed to take corrective steps.

According to him, Ibom Air had formally withdrawn its complaint, which cleared the way for Emmanson’s release within the week.

“I have also appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed,” Keyamo told reporters.

He further revealed that the AON would issue a detailed statement outlining the terms of the resolution.

The minister stressed that the government remained committed to maintaining discipline in the aviation sector while also protecting the dignity of passengers.

He added that the incident had provided “valuable lessons” for both airlines and travellers about the importance of professionalism, calm conflict resolution, and respect for safety protocols.

With the decision, the focus now shifts to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Many observers believe that the resolution could set a precedent for how similar disputes should be handled balancing firm law enforcement with fairness and respect for human rights.

Emmanson’s release is expected to draw mixed reactions, as some see it as a victory for public pressure while others argue that disruptive behaviour on flights must still face legal consequences.

However, Keyamo maintained that the outcome represented “a fair and humane balance” between justice and compassion.

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