The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday following consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, the resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and considering the remorse shown by the involved.
The minister of aviation revealed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident.
“When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he said.
Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre this week.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with details to be announced soon.
Keyamo declared that a retreat will be held next week to instruct aviation security officers on how to handle unruly passengers and de-escalate stressful situations. Airlines will also hold specific training to address worker behaviour towards passengers.
Keyamo emphasised that the clemencies were granted purely on compassionate grounds, adding, “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Emmanson was removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to switch off her phone as asked by crew members.
The situation worsened when she became physically hostile, hitting a flight attendant and having to be held and led off the plane at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
In response, Ibom Air imposed a lifetime ban on Emmanson from both local and international flights, citing its zero-tolerance policy toward violent or disruptive behaviour.
