Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger at the centre of a high-profile in-flight incident, has denied reports claiming she filed a ₦500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the airline.
In a statement on her Instagram story on Saturday, Emmanson dismissed the reports as false and misleading, stressing that she has not taken any legal action yet.
“My attention has been drawn to a fake report claiming that I have filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, NCAA, and others.
This information is false and misleading. I have not taken any such legal action yet. When I eventually do anything of such nature (which is imminent), I will personally update the public myself via my official page,” she stated.
Emmanson also distanced herself from a lawyer named Ayodele Ademiluyi, who was cited in the reports, clarifying that her counsel remains Adam Atakpa of Kippraise Attorneys.
She urged the public to disregard the lawsuit story, which had sparked widespread online commentary.
The Flight Incident and Fallout
The controversy began on August 10, 2025, when Emmanson boarded an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. A disagreement broke out after she reportedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during pre-flight safety procedures. According to the airline, she assaulted a purser, leading to her arrest and arraignment.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) swiftly announced a lifetime flight ban, which was later lifted following intervention by authorities. On August 13, after consultations led by Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the police formally withdrew all charges against her, and the court approved her discharge.
Emmanson’s Version of Events
In a personal statement shared on social media, Emmanson offered her perspective on what transpired:
- She admitted that emotions escalated during the exchange with the flight crew, saying she had attempted to place her phone in flight mode but felt “provoked, intimidated, and singled out.”
- She denied being violent but acknowledged that raised voices and confrontation created disorder.
- She accused the airline of mishandling her on the ground in Lagos, claiming she was forcibly restrained, exposed, and filmed, with the footage later circulating online.
“No one deserves to be treated without dignity — even in conflict,” she wrote, adding that the Nigerian Bar Association had condemned her treatment.
Her Acknowledgment and Demands
While apologizing for any role she may have played in escalating the situation, Emmanson insisted the aftermath went too far. She called for:
- An independent review of the incident from cabin confrontation to ground handling.
- Clear rules protecting passenger dignity, including bans on filming restrained individuals.
- Civility from all parties, noting that aviation safety must coexist with human dignity.
What Lies Ahead
Emmanson says she is cooperating with investigators and hinted at possible future legal action, though she stressed none has been filed yet.
“I ask the public to allow the process to work and to avoid threats or harassment toward anyone involved.
Thank you to my family, friends, legal team, and Nigerians who insisted that safety and human dignity can — and must — coexist. I’m healing and I’m hopeful.”
As of August 15, 2025, Emmanson remains free of all charges, with the no-fly sanction rescinded.
