An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court discharged Miss Comfort Emmason of charges related to unruly behavior and assault.
The incident occurred on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025. Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, after the police withdrew the case.
Incident and Initial Charges
On August 10, 2025, Emmason allegedly refused to switch off her phone during takeoff, violating safety rules.
The confrontation escalated, with claims she assaulted crew members, including slapping one and damaging property.
She faced charges under FAAN Bye-Laws and Lagos State criminal law.
Emmason was arraigned on Monday, August 11, and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet her ₦500,000 bail conditions.
Ibom Air Withdraws Complaint
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo announced the resolution after stakeholder consultations. Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint following Emmason’s public remorse and appeals from prominent individuals.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority also lifted her lifetime flight ban, reducing it to one month. Keyamo confirmed Emmason’s release, stating, “She has gone home from the court.”
Prosecution’s Case Withdrawal
At the resumed hearing, prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan cited new developments for withdrawing the case. The court accepted the application, discharging Emmason unconditionally.
Magistrate Salami cautioned her to act wisely in the future, warning she might not be as fortunate again. The decision closed a case that sparked debate over airline-passenger relations in Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Context
The case drew attention on X, with some claiming the flight attendant escalated the incident by smashing Emmason’s phone.
The resolution reflects Nigeria’s efforts to balance aviation safety with fairness, especially after high-profile incidents like KWAM 1’s.
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