FG Withdraws Case Against Ibom Air Passenger, Lifts Ban on KWAM 1

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal charges against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and also reviewed sanctions against Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, in a separate aviation incident.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the decisions followed consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector, appeals from concerned individuals, and remorse shown by the parties involved.

Ibom Air Case
Keyamo said he prevailed on Ibom Air to drop its complaint against Emmanson after she expressed regret for her actions during police interrogation in the presence of her lawyer. Following the airline’s decision, the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, and the Police Prosecutor will facilitate her release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre within the week.

He also disclosed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her.

ValueJet and KWAM 1 Case
In the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced the musician’s flight ban to one month and would engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols. The NCAA will also withdraw its earlier criminal complaint against him.

Similarly, the NCAA will restore the licences of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension and completion of mandatory professional reappraisal.

Security Training and Conduct
The minister directed aviation agencies and relevant government bodies to begin a retreat next week aimed at retraining aviation security personnel on handling unruly passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also participate in sessions focusing on staff conduct and customer relations.

Keyamo emphasised that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, warning that the government would not tolerate further breaches of aviation security protocols.