An Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, on Wednesday discharged Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the case following the withdrawal of the five-count charge filed against Emmanson by the police.
The development came after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the decision to drop the case, citing consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, the resolutions followed a review of the incident, appeals from concerned individuals, and the remorse expressed by those involved. He confirmed that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint over the August 10 incident.
Emmanson, who was arraigned on Monday, had been granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum, but was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution counsel, Oluwabunmi Adeitan, informed the Magistrate court of new developments necessitating the withdrawal of the case. She submitted a formal application to discontinue proceedings, which was granted by the court.
Background to the Case
The case against Comfort Emmanson stemmed from an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. Emmanson was accused of exhibiting unruly behaviour and assaulting a crew member during the flight. The confrontation reportedly disrupted onboard order, prompting the airline to file a formal complaint with aviation authorities.
Following her arrest, Emmanson was arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrate Court on a five-count charge bordering on assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. On August 11, the court granted her bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. However, she was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions.
The matter drew public attention due to the involvement of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who later initiated consultations with industry stakeholders. These deliberations, alongside interventions from well-meaning individuals, led to the eventual withdrawal of the complaint by Ibom Air and the termination of the case in court.
