ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo says Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, will be released from custody this week.
In a statement on X, Keyamo said the move follows the withdrawal of a complaint by Ibom Air and consultations with key aviation stakeholders.
He added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban it placed on Emmanson after she assaulted a flight attendant and confronted airport security officials.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week,” the minister said.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed.”
Keyamo said Emmanson, when questioned by police in the presence of her lawyer, showed “great remorse” for her conduct.
He noted that details of the resolution would be made public by the AON in due course.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025, before take-off from Uyo, when the passenger allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone in line with aviation safety procedures.
Ibom Air said she then assaulted a crew member and resisted intervention by security staff.
Following the incident, the airline banned her from flying on its aircraft, and the AON placed her on a “no-fly” list for life, describing the confrontation as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year.”
She was subsequently charged and remanded in Kirikiri correctional facility.
