The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and has reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music legend 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.
According to the minister, the resolutions followed a thorough review of the incidents, appeals from respected individuals, and the remorse expressed by those involved.
Ibom Air has agreed to drop its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident. “When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said.
Following the airline’s decision, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will work to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with details to be announced shortly.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month. Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security awareness.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo said.
The reduced one-month ban also applies to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after completing a mandatory professional reappraisal.
The minister further announced a retreat scheduled for next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
Keyamo emphasised that the clemency was granted purely on compassionate grounds, stating:
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
