FG withdraws criminal complaint against Comfort Emmanson, reduces KWAM 1’s flight ban
By: Zagazola Makama
The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson over her alleged unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Airline flight and reduced the flight ban imposed on music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, to one month.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, following consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector over recent incidents of unruly behaviour at airports.
Keyamo said the government’s decision was taken on compassionate grounds after reviewing the incidents and considering appeals from concerned individuals, as well as remorse shown by those involved.
“In the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in the August 10, 2025, incident on an Ibom Airline flight, the complaint against her will be withdrawn today in agreement with the airline,” he said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, and the police prosecutor had been directed to take immediate steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons this week.
Keyamo further disclosed that the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson, with details to be announced by the association.
On the case of KWAM 1, who was involved in an altercation with ValueJet airline officials, the minister said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had been directed to reduce his flight ban to one month.
“FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” he said.
The NCAA, he added, would also withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1, while ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba would have their licences restored after serving a one-month ban and undergoing mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo further directed all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with other security bodies, to begin a retreat next week aimed at retraining aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating potentially explosive situations.
He also said airlines would hold a separate session focused on improving staff conduct towards travellers.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds. Government will never pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when clear violations of our laws are involved,” he said.
He stressed that the clemency granted in these cases should be seen as a final gesture, adding that government remains committed to safety and security in the aviation sector.
