The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger at the centre of a recent onboard incident, and has also reduced the flying ban earlier imposed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1).
The announcements were made by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Wednesday following stakeholder consultations across the aviation sector.
Keyamo stated that the decision followed a review of both incidents, public appeals, and evidence of genuine remorse from those involved.
Regarding Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested after a confrontation aboard an Ibom Air Uyo–Lagos flight on August 10, the minister confirmed that the airline has agreed to withdraw its formal complaint, paving the way for her release from Kirikiri Prison.
The Airport Police Command and prosecutors have also been directed to process her release.
“She showed sincere remorse when interviewed in the presence of her legal counsel,” Keyamo noted.
In a related move, the Airline Operators of Nigeria is expected to lift the lifetime ban previously placed on Emmanson, with further details to be released soon.
As for the August 5 incident involving KWAM 1 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where the musician allegedly disrupted ValueJet operations, the minister said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to cut his flying ban from six months to one month.
“KWAM 1 has publicly expressed regret. The NCAA will drop its complaint, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage him as an aviation security ambassador,” Keyamo said.
The same one-month suspension will apply to ValueJet’s pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences were initially suspended pending investigation. Their reinstatement will follow a mandatory professional review.
To prevent future incidents, the Ministry will host a retreat next week to retrain airport security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and promoting de-escalation.
Airlines will also receive guidance on improving staff-passenger relations.
Keyamo concluded that these decisions were made on compassionate grounds, but emphasized that the government would not compromise aviation law enforcement.
“These clemencies do not mean we condone wrongdoing. But we must also consider the human element when the law has made its point,” he added.
