The Federal Government has dropped the criminal charges against Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson and reduced Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s flight ban from indefinite to one month. SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made the announcement in a statement on Wednesday after consulting with stakeholders in the aviation sector due to recent airport controversies.
Keyamo stated that Ms. Emmanson, who was involved in a physical altercation on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, showed “great remorse” when providing her statement to the police with her lawyer present. Since Ibom Air has withdrawn its complaint, he instructed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to expedite her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
He also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced later.
Regarding KWAM 1’s case stemming from a reported incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5, Keyamo stated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority would reduce his flight ban to one month and collaborate with him to promote proper airport security protocols as an ambassador, additionally withdrawing its criminal complaint.
Similarly, ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month suspension and undergoing mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo emphasized that while the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, they also served as a clear message about the government’s commitment to aviation safety and security. He directed aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, and also instructed airlines to hold a separate session to address staff conduct toward travelers.
“This clemency draws the line. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount,” Keyamo stated.
