Comfort Emmanson has spoken publicly for the first time since her release, detailing what she says transpired on the August 10 Ibom Air flight that led to her arrest, humiliation and eventual court case.
In a video shared online, the real estate consultant expressed gratitude to supporters. “I want to appreciate everyone who fought for me when I was in prison. The love and support I saw when I came out, I never expected it. For a commoner like me, you guys stood by me. God Almighty will bless you,” she said.
Emmanson claimed the incident began when a flight attendant confronted her about switching off her phone. She explained that one of her devices had a damaged power button and required help from another passenger to turn off. Despite this, she alleged that upon arrival in Lagos, the attendant blocked her from disembarking, pulled her hairpiece, tore her clothes and smashed her phone.
“She dragged my frontal, my gold chain, and the pain was unbearable. That was when I poked her out of anger,” Emmanson recalled tearfully, adding that she was later dragged off the aircraft as passengers filmed.
“They videoed me with my body out there. Some people have even turned it into stickers. I can’t even go out again because people already know me. Imagine me trying to sell a house, and clients have seen that video. How do I face them?”
Her removal, subsequent arraignment on five charges, and remand at Kirikiri prison triggered widespread debate. On Wednesday, an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court discharged her after police withdrew the case.
Emmanson said she is receiving treatment and hopes to rebuild her life, describing the experience as both traumatising and damaging to her reputation.