The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger involved in a mid-flight altercation, and popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), in a move the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, described as “purely compassionate.”

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Keyamo revealed that consultations with key aviation stakeholders over the past 48 hours had led to decisions aimed at resolving recent high-profile incidents of unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Comfort Emmanson’s Case

Emmanson was arrested on August 10 after a confrontation with Ibom Air staff escalated, leading to her removal from the aircraft, public stripping, and subsequent detention at Kirikiri Prison. Keyamo said Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint following her expression of remorse during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer.

The minister also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had consented to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on Emmanson, with details to be announced later. The Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command and the police prosecutor are expected to fast-track her release this week.

KWAM 1’s Case

In a related development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint against him. The Fuji music star, accused of misconduct on a ValueJet flight, will also be engaged as an ambassador for airport security protocols.

The ban on ValueJet pilots, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, will also be lifted after one month, provided they undergo mandatory professional re-appraisal.

Reforms in the Aviation Sector

Keyamo disclosed that from next week, a government-led retreat will train aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. A separate session will address airline staff conduct towards travellers.

He emphasised that while the decisions were made on humanitarian grounds, the government would not compromise on enforcing aviation safety and security regulations.

 “We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. Government will never pander to politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved,” Keyamo stated.

The minister concluded that the incidents, though regrettable, had served to highlight the need for improved passenger behaviour and better handling of disputes in Nigeria’s aviation sector.