The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal charge against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an unruly incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and has reduced the flight ban placed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, to one month.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with aviation stakeholders. He explained that the resolutions followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and a review of the remorse shown by those involved.
In Emmanson’s case, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint, paving the way for her release from Kirikiri Prison later this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria also consented to lift the lifetime ban previously imposed on her, with further details to be announced soon. Emmanson had been removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo for refusing to switch off her phone as instructed by the crew and later physically assaulting a flight attendant.
For KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reduced his earlier sanction to a one-month flight ban, following his public apology and demonstration of remorse. The authority will also withdraw its criminal complaint. Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols.
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, both of whom will have their licences restored after completing a mandatory professional re-appraisal. The sanctions stem from an August 5 incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in which KWAM 1 allegedly refused to surrender a prohibited flask, poured its contents on staff, and obstructed an aircraft on the tarmac.
Keyamo also announced broader reforms, including a retreat next week to retrain aviation security personnel in de-escalating tense situations and managing disruptive passengers. Airlines will hold dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
The minister emphasized that the decisions were made solely on compassionate grounds and did not constitute a relaxation of aviation safety laws. “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 said.
