By Adedapo Adesanya

An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday discharged the embattled Ms Comfort Emmason of charges bordering on unruly behaviour and assaulting the flight crew aboard an Ibom Air aircraft from Uyo to Lagos on Monday.

Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the five-count charge against Ms Emmason after the police prosecution team withdrew the case.

At the resumed hearing, the prosecuting council, Mrs Oluwabunmi Adeitan, informed the court of new developments that necessitated the withdrawal.

She tendered an application to the court for the withdrawal of the case, which was admitted by the court.

Earlier today, the federal government announced the withdrawal of a criminal complaint against Ms  Emmanson.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday morning, noting that this followed consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector over recent incidents involving disruptive conduct at Nigerian airports.

According to the Minister, Ms Emmanson, had showed “great remorse” during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer.

As a result, Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint, with the Police expected to complete steps for her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban earlier imposed on her.

In a related development, popular Fuji musician, Mr Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1 had his six months ban reduced to one-month following an earlier fracas while the pilots involved in the matter also had their suspension reduced to one-month with their licenses re-activated upon expiry of the punishment.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has gotten a September 2025 deadline to close the prosecution of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr Sambo Dasuki, over alleged money laundering, a case which has been in court for over 10 years.

The Federal High Court through Justice Peter Lifu fixed September 24, 25, and 26 for the government to call any remaining witnesses and tender all exhibits in support of the charges.

Mr Dasuki, who was first arraigned in 2015 was facing a seven-count amended charge and was expected to open his defence once the prosecution closed its case.

At the last hearing, a prosecution witness, Mr Monsur Mohammed, told the court that following Mr Dasuki’s arrest, his residences in Abuja, Kaduna, and Sokoto were searched for arms and cash.

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Mr Oladipupo Okpeseyi (SAN), the witness, an exhibits keeper with the Department of State Services (DSS), listed items recovered from Dasuki’s Abuja residence at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro.

He claimed that at Mr Dasuki’s House at 46, Nelson Mandela Street, Asokoro, found items include two Compact Disc of Freedom Radio on Jokolo, two GT Bank Cheque books, two blackberries phones, Nokia phone, flash drive, Apple Laptop and statement of account as part of items found in the house.

Others were a Visa card, approval letter of a radio station granted to Afri-Media Integrated Ltd, one CD on arrest and execution of Mohammed Yusuf, $500 and 533 Saudi Riyadh.

Also recovered were an HSBC account book and a Cheque book of Habibson Ltd of a Mr Abubakar Ibrahim.

The court admitted the items as Exhibits MSD 015 to 034 following no objection from Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr Ahmed Usman.

It was also revealed that at Mr Dasuki’s residence in Sabo Birni, Sokoto State, the exhibits keeper claimed that $150,000 were recovered in the house and subsequently deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The prosecutor said he would ask the DSS to bring the cash to court to be tendered as exhibits.

At the Sultan Abubakar Road, Sokoto house, the witness told the court that no items were found.

At this stage, the federal government counsel applied for an adjournment to enable him bring before the court other items found in Mr Dasuki’s house during the four search warrants executed in the houses.

Justice Lifu while granting the adjournment request directed the federal government to be ready to close its case against the defendant and for Dasuki to open his defence.

The judge subsequently adjourned the case until September 24, 25 and 26.

Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), the official bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in Nigeria, is marking World Youth Day 2025 by celebrating the resilience, innovation, and impact of young Nigerians who are transforming their communities and driving inclusive growth.

At the core of this celebration is NBC’s flagship #YouthEmpowered initiative—designed to equip young people with essential life and business skills for the future of work. Since its launch in Nigeria in 2017, the program has empowered over 60,000 youth through hands-on training, digital upskilling, mentorship, and entrepreneurial coaching.

As part of this year’s activities, NBC will premiere a documentary that spotlights inspiring YouthEmpowered alumni who are building businesses, leading change, and shaping brighter futures for themselves and their communities. The documentary will be available to the public on NBC’s official website, YouTube channel, and social media platforms.

Featured in the film is Esohe Ekunwe, who now leads Alpha Connect, a community initiative focused on financial literacy, wellness, and civic engagement. She credits the YouthEmpowered program with not only influencing her business journey but also transforming her mindset.

The documentary also highlights other changemakers such as Doyin Ogunye, founder of Women and Youth Empowerment, whose environmental work in Lagos is tackling waste and creating jobs; and Kingsley Oguchechukwu, founder of Kingsman Luxury in Enugu, who turned a major business setback into a thriving fashion brand.

By shining a light on these stories, NBC reaffirms its commitment to empowering young Nigerians and supporting their vital role in national development.