By Amofokhai Williams
An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Ogba, Lagos, has discharged Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of unruly behaviour and assault aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, following the withdrawal of charges by the prosecution.
The decision, announced on Wednesday, marks the resolution of a case that ignited widespread debate over passenger conduct, airline protocols, and the proportionality of punitive measures in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The incident occurred on August 10, 2025, when Emmanson allegedly refused to comply with safety instructions to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, leading to a confrontation with the flight crew.
Upon landing in Lagos, she reportedly assaulted the purser, tore off her wig, and attacked security personnel, prompting her arrest and a lifetime flight ban by Ibom Air.
Emmanson was arraigned on August 11, facing five charges, including assault and willful damage to property, and was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet her ₦500,000 bail conditions.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the charges after prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan cited “new developments” and filed for withdrawal, a move unopposed by Emmanson’s defense counsel, Adams Otakpe.
The decision followed interventions by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who announced that “all parties had agreed to resolve the matter following consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.”
Keyamo noted that the resolution was reached after “reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and noting the remorse shown by those involved.”
Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its complaint and the Federal Government’s directive to lift the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s lifetime ban on Emmanson were pivotal in closing the case.
Social media played a significant role, with posts on X reflecting public outrage over perceived inconsistencies in handling similar cases, such as that of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), who faced a six-month ban but no court charges for a separate aviation incident.
One user remarked, “Constantly calling out the biased treatment when KWAM 1 and Oshiomhole are having a free pass is what cornered them and made them soften their judgement against her.”
The case has spotlighted broader issues of passenger rights and airline accountability. Critics, including commentator Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, had previously called for an independent investigation, arguing that the initial response, including Emmanson’s remand, raised questions about proportionality and fairness.
The swift resolution, driven by public pressure and ministerial intervention, underscores the influence of social media and advocacy in shaping justice outcomes.
Magistrate Salami advised Emmanson to “exercise wisdom in future, regardless of provocation,” acknowledging her role in the incident while closing the case.
