FG drops charges against Ibom Air passenger Emmanson, reduces sanctions on KWAM 1

The Federal Government has moved to resolve two high-profile disputes in the aviation sector, announcing the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, while easing other sanctions imposed on parties involved.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the decisions followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, appeals from respected Nigerians, and remorse shown by the individuals concerned.

Emmanson had been at the centre of a viral incident on August 10, 2025, when she allegedly assaulted a purser aboard an Ibom Air flight. She was subsequently banned for life from flying with Nigerian airlines and remanded in Kirikiri Prison. Keyamo disclosed that Ibom Air had now agreed to withdraw its complaint, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) would lift the life-time ban. The Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, and the police prosecutor are expected to complete procedures for her release this week.

“The evidence showed wrongs were committed by both passengers and airline staff in the recent incidents,” Keyamo said, stressing that all sides must acknowledge their share of culpability.

In the ValueJet case involving KWAM 1, the Minister announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to cut the singer’s flight ban to one month. The ban was imposed after an altercation with airline staff. The NCAA will also drop its criminal complaint against him and work with the music star as an ambassador for airport security protocol.

Keyamo said the one-month suspension of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba would remain in force, with the NCAA restoring their licences after they undergo a mandatory professional re-appraisal.

To prevent a repeat of such incidents, the Minister directed aviation and other relevant agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain security personnel in handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also hold their own sessions focusing on staff conduct towards passengers.

Keyamo emphasised that the clemencies were granted solely on compassionate grounds, warning that safety and security in the sector would remain paramount.

“Government will never pander to base sentiments or warped legal opinions when our laws are clearly violated,” he said. “We have drawn a line after these decisions.”