Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting a flight attendant on August 10, 2025, has been released following the withdrawal of all charges by the police.
A Lagos court dismissed the five-count charge after new evidence surfaced, and the police formally dropped the case. The Federal Government also endorsed the decision, taking into account Emmanson’s remorse and consultations with aviation authorities.
The lifetime flying ban previously imposed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria has been lifted, allowing her to resume air travel. Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo confirmed that Emmanson would be freed from Kirikiri Correctional Centre within the week, noting that the charges were withdrawn due to her remorse and the airline’s decision to drop the complaint.
Human rights organizations, however, have expressed concerns about Emmanson’s treatment during the incident, including the circulation of private footage.
