By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints and reduction of sanctions in two high-profile cases involving unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports, citing lessons learnt, public awareness, and appeals from stakeholders.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, disclosed the decisions in a statement on Wednesday, following consultations with critical aviation stakeholders and those directly involved in the incidents.
Keyamo noted that while both passengers and airline staff committed infractions, valuable lessons had been learnt on all sides, and the events had underscored the need for proper conduct within the aviation sector.
“In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in the recent unfortunate incidents. If nothing else, the episodes have raised public awareness about appropriate conduct in our airports,” he said.
Ibom Airline and Ms. Comfort Emmanson
In the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025, the Minister announced that the airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint. Emmanson, who reportedly expressed deep remorse in the presence of her lawyer, is expected to be released from Kirikiri Prisons within the week after necessary police procedures are completed.
Keyamo also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced soon.
ValueJet and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1)
Regarding the incident involving Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, the Minister said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce his flight ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is also set to work with the singer to promote airport security awareness, while the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaints against him.
Additionally, ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who were sanctioned in connection with the KWAM 1 incident, will have their licenses restored after a one-month suspension, following mandatory professional reappraisal.
Security Training and Conduct Review
Keyamo announced that all relevant aviation agencies would hold a retreat next week, in collaboration with other security agencies, to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also participate in sessions focused on improving staff conduct towards the travelling public.
Compassion and a Clear Warning
The Minister stressed that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, not under political or legal pressure, and warned that the government would not tolerate future breaches of aviation safety and security.
“We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain a top priority,” Keyamo stated.