In a dramatic turn of events, the Ikeja Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, has officially struck out the five-count charge against Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger previously accused of unruly behavior and assault aboard a domestic flight.
Presiding Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami discharged Ms. Emmanson following the formal withdrawal of the case by the Lagos Airport Police Command. The prosecution, led by Inspector Oluwabunmi Adeitan, cited new developments and a directive from the Commissioner of Police as grounds for discontinuing the proceedings.
The incident, which occurred on August 10 aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos, had sparked widespread public debate after Emmanson was arrested and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre for failing to meet bail conditions. The charges alleged that she disrupted flight operations and assaulted crew members.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the government's decision to drop the case after consultations with aviation stakeholders, appeals from concerned Nigerians, and evidence of remorse from those involved. Ibom Air also agreed to withdraw its complaint, paving the way for Emmanson’s release.
In his ruling, Magistrate Salami admonished Emmanson to exercise greater wisdom in future interactions, warning that similar behavior could have more severe consequences. “I hope you will learn from this experience and become a better person,” he stated.
The case has drawn attention from human rights organizations including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), who condemned the manner of Emmanson’s arrest and detention, citing violations of her dignity and due process rights.