Samuel Omang
The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behaviour, and has also reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star 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 stakeholders in the aviation sector. He explained that the resolutions followed a review of both incidents, consideration of appeals from concerned individuals, and acknowledgment of the remorse shown by those involved.
According to Keyamo, Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident. He noted that during her statement to the police, given in the presence of her lawyer, she expressed “great remorse” for her conduct. Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will initiate steps 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 soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce the musician’s ban to one month and will also withdraw its criminal complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols. The one-month ban will equally apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will have their licences restored after undergoing a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further revealed that a retreat will be held 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 toward travellers.
He stressed that the clemencies were 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.”
Ms. Emmanson’s case arose on August 10, 2025, when she was removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to turn off her phone as instructed by crew members. The situation escalated when she became physically aggressive, striking a flight attendant, and had to be restrained before being escorted off the aircraft at Murtala Mohammed International Airport. Ibom Air responded by imposing a lifetime ban on her, citing its zero-tolerance policy toward violent or disruptive behaviour.
KWAM 1’s case dates back to August 5, 2025, when he attempted to board a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, carrying a flask believed to contain alcohol — a prohibited item on domestic flights. When asked to surrender it, he allegedly refused, poured its contents on crew and security personnel, and proceeded onto the tarmac, obstructing the aircraft’s taxiing and delaying its safe operation. The NCAA subsequently petitioned the police, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered an immediate investigation in line with aviation safety laws.