Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that Ibom Air passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson will be released from Kirikiri Prisons this week after the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against her.
The decision follows consultations with Ibom Airline and other key stakeholders over the 10 August 2025 incident. Keyamo said Ms. Emmanson showed “great remorse” for her conduct when she gave her statement to the Police in the presence of her lawyer.
He added that appeals from well-meaning individuals also influenced the move, which he described as a compassionate step. The Airline Operators of Nigeria have further agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her.
While announcing the decision, the Minister stressed that both passengers and airline staff had been at fault in recent aviation incidents, but that important lessons had been learnt on all sides.
He noted that this act of clemency should not be mistaken for weakness, as the government remains committed to strict security and order in Nigeria’s aviation sector going forward.
