Prominent human rights lawyer, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has questioned the legality of the warrant used to remand Comfort Emmanson, the female passenger accused of assaulting airline crew and clashing with airport security on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
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Emmanson, also known as Comfort Bob, 26, was charged before a Lagos Magistrate Court on multiple counts, including unruly behaviour, assault, and willful damage to property. She has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until 11 October 2025.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Odinkalu shared a copy of the remand order, noting that it was dated 11 October 2025 a date after her committal.
“A post-dated committal warrant is not lawful on its face. In any case, what is the justification for remand until 6 Oct?!” Odinkalu wrote.
Other legal commentators also weighed in. Jane Bond, another lawyer, described the development as “pure intimidation” over a dispute with Ibom Air, calling for all parties involved to be held accountable. “This is a disgraceful abuse of power,” she said.
Some commentators suggested the date might have been a clerical error. “This must be a mistake by whoever wrote that warrant,” X user Mr Governor wrote, speculating that “11th August” was intended instead of “11th October.”
Court documents show that Emmanson is facing charges for allegedly slapping two crew members, damaging a $2,500 aircraft divider curtain, and tearing a crew member’s ₦110,000 wig. The incident, captured on multiple videos at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), has sparked widespread public debate.
Ibom Air has since banned her from its flights, while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing stricter rules against unruly passengers.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing.
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