By Ghazali Ibrahim
An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has discharged Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behavior aboard a flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The decision came after the Federal Government withdrew the five-count charge against her.
During the hearing on Wednesday, Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the case following the Lagos Airport Police Command’s decision to withdraw the charges unconditionally.
Police prosecutor Inspector Olubunmi Adeitan informed the court that the withdrawal was based on new facts presented to the command after Emmanson’s arraignment.
The defense counsel, Adams Otakpe, did not object to the withdrawal.
In his ruling, Magistrate Salami accepted the withdrawal and discharged Emmanson.
He, however, advised the 26-year-old to exercise wisdom in future situations, regardless of provocation, noting that she had played a role in the controversy.
The incident, which occurred on August 10, 2025, involved Emmanson allegedly assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight.
Following the incident, Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) imposed a lifetime flight ban on her.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the treatment of Emmanson, describing it as degrading and a violation of her fundamental rights.
The NBA offered her free legal representation and called for an independent investigation into the incident.
They also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the lifetime flight ban and the prosecution of those who recorded and circulated footage of the incident that exposed Emmanson’s nudity.
