The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight and Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to the minister, the resolutions followed a review of the incidents, appeals from well-meaning individuals, and consideration of the remorse shown by those involved.
Keyamo disclosed that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested in connection with the August 10 incident.
“Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached.
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently,” he said.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce the musician’s ban to one month.
In addition, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
“In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA,” the minister added.
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
The minister emphasised that the clemencies were granted solely on compassionate grounds, stressing:
“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.”