The court has freed Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, who was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre for alleged unruly conduct during a flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.
Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five charges against Emmanson on Wednesday after the case was withdrawn. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo confirmed her release to Channels Television, stating, “Emmanson has gone home from the court. I can confirm that.”
Keyamo explained that the decision followed consultations with aviation stakeholders and those involved in recent incidents of passenger misconduct at airports. Emmanson had faced allegations of assaulting a flight attendant and clashing with security officers at Lagos Airport.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria had imposed a lifetime flying ban on her, and she was arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, but her remand was due to her inability to present adequate sureties.
Keyamo condemned her behaviour but also criticised the release of a viral indecent video showing her torn clothing. He ordered action against the Ibom Air staff responsible for leaking the footage.
Public outrage from civil society groups, the Nigerian Bar Association, and members of the public prompted a review of the matter. Keyamo said all parties had learnt their lessons, adding that appeals from respected individuals and Emmanson’s remorse led to the withdrawal of the complaint.
He confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria had agreed to lift the lifetime ban, with further details to be announced.