An Ikeja Magistrate Court in Ogba, Lagos, has discharged Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behavior and assault against airline and airport personnel.
The Presiding Magistrate, Olanrewaju Salami, struck out the five-count charge against Emmanson after the police formally withdrew the case.
The police prosecutor, Oluwabunmi Adeitan, informed the court that the complainant and the airline were no longer interested in pursuing the matter, citing instructions from the police authorities.
This development comes after the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson.
Emmanson was arraigned on Monday, August 11, on charges bordering on disrupting the peace on board the flight, assaulting a crew member, and conducting herself in a manner capable of breaching public order.
She had pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. However, she was remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to meet the bail conditions.
The withdrawal of the case against Emmanson has sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the fairness of the justice system, particularly in cases involving influential individuals.
Keyamo’s decision to withdraw the charges was reportedly influenced by appeals from concerned citizens and Emmanson’s display of remorse.
