The Federal Government has dropped its criminal case against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of disorderly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and has also reduced the flight suspension imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Keyamo explained that the move followed a review of the incidents, appeals from respected individuals, and the remorse expressed by those involved.
According to him, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who had been detained at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre since the August 10 incident. “When the Police obtained her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she showed deep regret for her actions,” he stated.
The minister confirmed that police authorities and the Airport Command will now facilitate her release. The Airline Operators of Nigeria will also lift the lifetime ban imposed on her, with further details to be disclosed soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced his ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also appoint him as an ambassador to promote compliance with airport security protocols.
“Since he has shown public remorse, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” the minister added.
The one-month ban will also cover ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will regain their licenses after completing mandatory professional re-evaluation.
Keyamo further announced a retreat scheduled for next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also take part in dedicated sessions to improve staff interactions with travellers.
He stressed that the clemency was based solely on humanitarian grounds:
“The government will not be swayed by political sentiments or flawed legal arguments in clear cases of law violation. These decisions are final, and we will now move forward.”
The August 10 incident involving Ms. Emmanson occurred when she refused to switch off her phone during a Lagos–Uyo flight, later becoming physically aggressive toward a flight attendant. She was restrained and removed from the aircraft at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, prompting Ibom Air to impose a lifetime ban on her in line with its zero-tolerance policy for violent behaviour.
Similarly, on August 5, KWAM 1 was accused of causing a major disruption at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He allegedly refused to surrender a prohibited flask suspected to contain alcohol, poured its contents on staff, and entered the tarmac, obstructing an aircraft’s movement and delaying its departure.
The NCAA had petitioned the police, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered an immediate investigation in accordance with aviation safety regulations.
