The Federal Government has directed the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger jailed over unruly behaviour on an August 10, 2025 Uyo–Lagos flight.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), saying it followed consultations with key aviation stakeholders. He described the move as a compassionate gesture, prompted by appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and the remorse shown by those involved.
According to the minister, Ibom Air has agreed to drop its complaint, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson. The Airport Command police will now move to complete her release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre within the week.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo stated.
PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS
— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) August 13, 2025
1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding…
He added that the details of the AON resolution will be made public soon.
Emmanson’s case had drawn nationwide attention after she was remanded in prison for allegedly assaulting Ibom Air crew and airport security staff, sparking debate over the handling of disruptive passengers in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
