National
Breaking: FG Drops Charges Against Ibom Air Passenger, Reduces KWAM 1’s Ban
By Gideon Ayeni
The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger jailed over an unruly conduct incident, and has also reduced Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1)’s flight ban to one month.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, following consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector over recent airport controversies.
Keyamo said Ms. Emmanson, who was involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, had shown “great remorse” when giving her statement to the police in the presence of her lawyer. With Ibom Air withdrawing its complaint, he directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to fast-track her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
He 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 later.
On KWAM 1’s case, which stemmed from a reported unruly behavior at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5, Keyamo disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would cut his flight ban to one month and work with him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols. The NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
Similarly, ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month suspension and undergoing mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo stressed that while the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, the government was sending a clear message about its commitment to aviation safety and security.
He further directed aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also hold a separate session to address staff conduct toward travelers.
“This clemency draws the line. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount,” Keyamo stated.
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