The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music icon, 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 across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
According to Keyamo, the resolutions followed a careful review of the incidents, alongside appeals from concerned citizens and recognition of the remorse shown by those involved.
Keyamo disclosed that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested following the August 10 incident on a flight from Lagos to Uyo.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” the minister said.
Following the airline’s withdrawal of the complaint, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor have been directed to take immediate steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously placed on her, with further details to be announced soon.
In a separate matter involving KWAM 1, the minister confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to reduce the singer’s flight ban to one month, following the ValueJet incident on August 5.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
He further disclosed that “having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police.”
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.
As part of efforts to prevent similar incidents, Keyamo announced that a sector-wide retreat would be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also participate in dedicated sessions to address staff conduct and improve engagement with travellers.
“The clemencies were granted purely on compassionate grounds,” the minister stressed. “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.”
Background of Incidents
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Ms. Comfort Emmanson was forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight after refusing to switch off her mobile phone when instructed by the cabin crew. The situation escalated when she allegedly became physically aggressive and struck a flight attendant. She was restrained and escorted off the aircraft at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
Ibom Air imposed a lifetime ban on Emmanson, citing its zero-tolerance policy towards violence and disruptive conduct onboard its flights.
Earlier, on August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 caused a disruption at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after allegedly attempting to board a ValueJet flight while carrying a flask believed to contain alcohol—an item prohibited on domestic flights.
When asked to surrender the flask, he reportedly refused, poured the contents on crew and security personnel, and moved onto the tarmac, obstructing aircraft movement and delaying the flight’s operations.
Following the incident, the NCAA filed a petition with the police, prompting the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to order an immediate investigation in accordance with Nigeria’s aviation safety regulations.