FG Withdraws Criminal Complaint Against Ibom Air Passenger, Reduces KWAM 1’s Ban

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger jailed for unruly conduct, and has also reduced Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1)’s flight ban to one month.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the decision followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders over recent incidents of disruptive behaviour at airports.

Keyamo stressed that both the passengers involved and the airline staff had acted wrongly, adding that neither side could continue to highlight grievances without acknowledging their own roles in the disputes.

On Ms. Comfort Emmanson’s Case
The Minister confirmed that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint after Emmanson expressed deep remorse during a police interview. With the complaint withdrawn, the Airport Command’s Commissioner of Police and the Prosecutor will take immediate steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban previously imposed on her, with details to be announced later.

On KWAM 1’s Case
Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and will engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol. The NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.

For ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, the NCAA will restore their licenses after a one-month suspension, following a mandatory professional re-assessment.

Next Steps in the Aviation Sector
The Minister directed all relevant aviation and complementary agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tensions. Airlines will also have a dedicated session addressing staff conduct towards passengers.

Keyamo emphasised that the government’s decisions were based solely on compassionate grounds, warning that future breaches of aviation safety and security will not be treated lightly.