The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its decision to drop the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger accused of disruptive behavior on a flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
The decision was announced by Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, in a press statement issued on Wednesday.
Recall that the incident, which gained traction through viral social media clips, showed Emmanson clashing with flight attendants and airport security, leading to her detention at Kirikiri Prison and a lifetime flight ban by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
However, Keyamo said after consultations with stakeholders, he has directed Ibom Air to drop its charges and appealed to AON to lift the ban, citing Emmanson’s remorse and the need for balanced accountability.
He also said the government is working towards securing the release of Emmanson within the week, pending police processes.
The statement reads in part: “In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”
