A magistrate court has discharged Comfort Emmason, the woman accused of assaulting a female cabin crew member of Ibom Air during a recent flight, bringing an end to a case that had stirred national debate and attracted the attention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Emmason was arrested after allegedly attacking the flight attendant mid-service, causing a brief commotion on board. Eyewitnesses said the altercation prompted an immediate complaint from the airline, which condemned the act as unacceptable and an affront to aviation safety.
Prosecutors charged her with assault and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. However, at Wednesday’s sitting, the court ruled that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The presiding magistrate stressed the importance of maintaining civility during air travel but noted that “justice demands that no individual be convicted on speculation or unproven allegations.”
Minister Keyamo had earlier waded into the matter, assuring Nigerians that the safety and dignity of airline staff would always be protected, while also urging due process in the prosecution of the accused.
Following the verdict, Emmason told journalists she was relieved by the court’s decision and thanked her legal team, family, and friends for their support.
The case had sparked public conversations on the treatment of airline personnel, passengers’ conduct in-flight, and the need for stricter enforcement of aviation behaviour standards.
