FG Withdraws Complaint Against Comfort Emmanson, Orders Aviation Security Reforms

The Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the decision followed consultations with aviation stakeholders, appeals from well-meaning individuals, and Emmanson’s expression of deep remorse during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer.

Following Ibom Air’s agreement to drop the case, the Commissioner of Police at the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will take immediate steps to facilitate Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.

Keyamo also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be made public by the association in due course.

The minister further directed all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with complementary government bodies, to begin a retreat next week aimed at retraining and equipping security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating potentially volatile situations.

According to him, the retreat will be open to press coverage, while airlines will also have a dedicated session to address the conduct and attitude of their staff toward members of the traveling public.

Keyamo stressed that the government’s decision was made on compassionate grounds but warned that safety and security in Nigeria’s aviation sector remain non-negotiable.

“We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo stated. “Safety and security in the aviation sector remain our top priority.”