Attah Ede and Joy Yesufu
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday, directed the immediate withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger detained over unruly behaviour on an August 10, 2025 Uyo–Lagos flight.
Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), saying it followed consultations with key aviation stakeholders.
He said that the move was a compassionate gesture, prompted by appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and the remorse shown by those involved.
Keyamo maintained that , Ibom Air has agreed to drop its complaint, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson.
The Minister said the decision also covered Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
He said Ms Emmanson who expressed deep remorse during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer, would be released from Kirikiri Prisons this week after police conclude formalities.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her.
In KWAM 1’s case, the Minister disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce his flight ban to one month and withdraw its police complaint.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
“The licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba — also linked to the KWAM 1 incident — would be restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal”.
Outside the individual cases, the Minister directed all relevant aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tensions.
Airlines will also review staff conduct towards travellers during the sessions.
“The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” the Minister stressed. “Government will not pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when laws are violated. However, we are drawing a line after these clemencies, as safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount.”, Keyamo said.
