In curious twist, Nigerian govt drops criminal case against Emmanson, eases flight ban on KWAM 1

The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with stakeholders in the aviation industry.

According to Keyamo, the resolutions followed a review of the incidents, appeals from concerned individuals, and expressions of remorse by those involved.

He confirmed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over an August 10 in-flight disturbance.

“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” the minister said.

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Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will initiate steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime ban previously imposed on her, with further details to be announced.

On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce the musician’s ban to one month. He added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) intends to engage KWAM 1 as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo said.

The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after a mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo further announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also participate in dedicated sessions addressing staff conduct towards travellers.

The minister emphasised that the clemencies were granted on compassionate grounds, noting: “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.”

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