Comfort Emmanson – 3 Steps FG Has Taken to Support Ibom Air Passenger

The Federal Government has stepped into the controversy surrounding Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of assaulting staff of Ibom Air, taking decisive actions to secure her release and restore her flying rights.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, that he had personally intervened in the matter. 

His statement, shared on his official X handle, detailed three measures aimed at resolving the case and easing the consequences faced by Emmanson.

Emmanson had been arrested, arraigned, and sent to the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos after a video of her altercation with airline staff went viral. 

The incident, which occurred on August 10, had sparked heated reactions online, with some calling for strict punishment while others criticized the airline’s handling of the matter.

The 3 Measures Announced by the FG

Withdrawal of the Complaint by Ibom Air
Keyamo confirmed that he had spoken directly with Ibom Air’s management, who agreed to withdraw the official complaint against Emmanson. 

According to him, during her statement to the police made in the presence of her lawyer. she expressed sincere remorse for her actions.

Steps to Secure Her Immediate Release
Following the withdrawal of the complaint, the Minister said the Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command, alongside the police prosecutor, would move quickly to process her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week.

Lifting of Lifetime Flying Ban
Keyamo also revealed that he had appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to reconsider the lifetime ban placed on Emmanson. The association agreed to remove the ban, with further details to be shared publicly by the AON in due course.

This intervention by the Federal Government has stirred conversations about fairness and consistency in the aviation sector’s disciplinary measures. While some applaud the minister’s efforts to ensure the matter is resolved amicably, others including human rights activist Aisha Yesufu have voiced concerns about unequal treatment, suggesting that the system often works differently depending on one’s social standing.

For now, Comfort Emmanson’s release appears imminent, and her ability to fly again has been restored, marking a swift turn of events from what initially seemed like a severe and career-long penalty from Nigeria’s aviation industry.