Lawyer: Freed Ibom Air Passenger Undecided on Suing Airline

Following her release from custody, the passenger at the center of the viral Ibom Air assault incident, Comfort Emmanson, is yet to decide whether to file a civil lawsuit against the airline. This was disclosed by a legal representative, who confirmed that she is currently recuperating and taking time to consider her options.

Emmanson was discharged on Wednesday by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court after the police withdrew a five-count charge against her. The withdrawal followed the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who stated that Ibom Air had agreed to drop its complaint and that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her.

Despite the resolution of the criminal case, legal and human rights organizations, led by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have continued to highlight the legal grounds for a civil suit. The NBA, which has offered Emmanson free legal assistance, has argued that the treatment she received constituted an unlawful assault and a violation of her right to dignity. The public circulation of videos showing her in a state of partial undress has also been cited as an “egregious invasion of privacy.”

A source close to the legal team indicated that while Emmanson is grateful for the public’s support and her freedom, she is still in pain and emotionally shaken by the incident. “She needs time to rest and get proper medical treatment before making a decision on the next steps,” the source stated.

The incident has sparked a national conversation about passenger rights and the conduct of airline staff and security personnel. The Minister of Aviation, in his statement, acknowledged that “clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved.” He has since ordered a training retreat for aviation security and airline staff to improve de-escalation and conflict management protocols.