After three days in detention, Ms. Comfort Emmason has regained her freedom following the withdrawal of all charges against her by Ibom Air. The legal dispute, which began on August 10 after an in-flight altercation on a Uyo-Lagos service, came to an end on Wednesday when the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court struck out the case.
Presiding Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami discharged Emmason after the police formally informed the court that the complainant no longer wished to proceed. The five-count charge, which accused her of disorderly behaviour and assaulting crew members, was therefore dismissed.
The decision also triggered a major reversal in aviation circles. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Airline Operators of Nigeria, lifted the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on Emmason. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the move after consultations with industry stakeholders and appeals from the public, noting that the passenger had shown remorse.
The high-profile case had generated intense debate nationwide over passenger conduct, the rights of airlines, and the limits of disciplinary measures.