:An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Ogba, Lagos, has discharged Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of unruly conduct and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight, after prosecutors withdrew all charges.
The case, which stirred national debate over passenger behaviour, airline protocols, and fairness in the aviation sector, stemmed from an August 10, 2025 incident on a Uyo–Lagos flight.
Emmanson was alleged to have refused to switch off her phone before takeoff, later assaulting the purser and security personnel upon landing.
She was arrested, banned for life by Ibom Air, and remanded in prison after failing to meet bail conditions.Prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan told the court that “new developments” had prompted the withdrawal, a move unopposed by the defence.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) confirmed that all parties agreed to an amicable resolution following consultations, Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its complaint, and the lifting of the lifetime ban.
The decision, influenced by public outcry and social media pressure, has renewed calls for consistency, proportionality, and transparency in handling aviation-related misconduct.
