The Federal Government has intervened in the case involving Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on a recent Ibom Air flight, ordering the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against her.

The development follows widespread public outrage and appeals from civil society groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had condemned Ibom Air’s handling of the incident.

Ms. Emmanson was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos after being arraigned on criminal charges following an alleged altercation with a flight attendant and airport security on August 10, 2025.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the decision to withdraw the case came after extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector. He noted that the “unfortunate incidents” had highlighted the need for greater public awareness of airport security protocols.

Keyamo’s statement acknowledged that both the airline staff and the passenger were culpable in the incident. He revealed that he had prevailed on Ibom Air to withdraw the complaint after Ms. Emmanson, in her statement to the police, expressed deep remorse for her conduct.

Following the withdrawal of the complaint, the Minister announced that the police prosecutor would take immediate steps to facilitate her release from prison. He also confirmed that he had appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, a request they have agreed to. The details of the resolution are expected to be made public by the AON.

The Minister also criticised the circulation of an indecent video of Ms. Emmanson, which had gone viral, and stated that he had ordered action against the Ibom Air officials responsible for leaking the footage.