The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and 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 said the resolutions followed a review of the incidents, appeals from well-meaning individuals, and the remorse shown by those involved.
Decisions Reached
According to Keyamo, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident.
“When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he said.
Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will move to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her, with details to be announced soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce his ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also plans to appoint the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
The one-month ban also applies to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further announced a retreat next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also hold dedicated sessions on improving staff conduct toward travellers.
“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.” He concluded.
Background
On August 10, 2025, Ms. Emmanson was removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to switch 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 and escorted off the aircraft at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Ibom Air subsequently imposed a lifetime ban on her, citing its zero-tolerance policy toward violent or disruptive behaviour.
On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 disrupted operations at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when he attempted to board a ValueJet flight carrying a flask believed to contain alcohol—an item prohibited on domestic flights. When asked to surrender it, he allegedly refused, poured its contents on crew and security personnel, and moved onto the tarmac, obstructing the aircraft’s taxiing and delaying its safe departure.
The NCAA petitioned the police, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered an immediate investigation of both events in line with aviation safety laws.