An Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, has formally discharged Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who faced allegations of unruly behavior and assault against airline and airport personnel.
The presiding Magistrate, Olanrewaju Salami, struck out the five-count charge against Emmanson following a formal request from the police to withdraw the case.
The incident initially saw the Airport Police Command arraign Ms. Emmanson on Monday, August 11, on charges including disrupting the peace on board a flight, assaulting a crew member, and behaving in a manner likely to breach public order. At her arraignment, Emmanson pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
During today’s proceedings, Police Prosecutor Oluwabunmi Adeitan informed the court that the complainant and the airline were no longer interested in pursuing the matter. She applied for the withdrawal of the case, citing instructions from the police authorities. Following this, Magistrate Salami granted the request and ordered Emmanson’s immediate discharge.
Earlier reports by IREPORT247NEWS indicated that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, had formally announced his decision to withdraw the criminal complaint against Ms. Emmanson.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Mr. Keyamo explained that the decision to discontinue the case was part of efforts to resolve the matter through alternative channels rather than prolonged litigation. He emphasized that the move was aimed at fostering understanding between the parties, promoting amicable settlement, and preventing the escalation of tensions.
The minister also noted that any related matters connected to the complaint would be addressed in due course in a manner that ensures fairness and respects the interests of all stakeholders.
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