Just in: FG Withdraws Complaints Against Ibom Air Passenger, KWAM 1 Over Airport Incidents

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1, over separate incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said in a statement on Wednesday that the decisions were taken after consultations with stakeholders, appeals from concerned individuals, and expressions of remorse by those involved.

For Ms. Emmanson, who was involved in a dispute aboard an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025, the airline has agreed to drop its complaint, paving the way for her release from Kirikiri Prisons this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban earlier imposed on her.

In KWAM 1’s case, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his flight ban to one month and will withdraw its police complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

Similarly, ValueJet Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who were also suspended over the incident involving KWAM 1, will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month ban and undergoing a mandatory professional re-appraisal.

Keyamo also directed aviation agencies to commence a security personnel retraining retreat next week to equip staff with skills to handle disruptive passengers and de-escalate tense situations. Airlines will hold a separate session to address staff conduct towards travellers.

He stressed that the clemency granted in these cases was purely on compassionate grounds and warned that future breaches of aviation security and safety rules would attract the full weight of the law.