‘Free But Still in Pain’: Ibom Air Passenger, Comfort Emmanson, Speaks After Discharge

Comfort Emmanson—the Ibom Air passenger recently discharged by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court—has spoken publicly for the first time since leaving the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, saying she is grateful for the outpouring of support but remains in pain.

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Emmanson thanked friends, family, and well-wishers for their prayers during her detention. She disclosed that she is still dealing with both physical discomfort and emotional strain arising from the ordeal and would need time to rest and undergo medical care before sharing a detailed account of what happened.

Her statement came just hours after an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba struck out the five-count charge filed against her. The case had alleged that she disrupted peace aboard an Ibom Air flight, assaulted a crew member, and acted in a manner capable of breaching public order.

According to the court record, the charges were withdrawn after both the complainant and the airline indicated they were no longer interested in pursuing the matter. Presiding Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami consequently ordered Emmanson’s discharge.

While expressing profound appreciation to supporters—whom she credited with sustaining her morale throughout the process—Emmanson maintained that her priority now is recovery. She noted that she will present her side of the story once she has received appropriate medical treatment and is in a position to speak comprehensively.

The development brings a temporary close to a case that drew wide attention on social media and within Nigeria’s aviation community. With the charges dropped, attention is likely to shift to Emmanson’s promised account of the incident, as well as to any response that may follow from industry stakeholders.

Emmanson did not provide a timeline for when she will release her full statement, but emphasized that she intends to do so after convalescing.