Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting a flight attendant on August 10, 2025, has been freed after a Lagos court dismissed all charges against her.
The five-count charge was dropped following the emergence of new evidence and the police’s formal withdrawal of the case. The Federal Government backed the decision, citing Emmanson’s remorse and consultations with aviation authorities.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also lifted the lifetime flight ban previously placed on her, allowing her to travel by air again.
Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, confirmed she would be released from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre within the week, noting that the withdrawal was influenced by her apology and the airline’s choice to drop its complaint.
However, some human rights groups have voiced concerns over her treatment during the incident, particularly the public circulation of private footage.