FG Drops Case Against Ibom Air Passenger, Eases KWAM 1 Flight Ban

The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal case against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behaviour, and reduced the flight ban placed on Fuji music legend, 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 aviation stakeholders and a review of both incidents.

According to him, Ibom Air agreed to drop its complaint against Ms. Emmanson following an August 10 incident. He noted that when police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she expressed deep remorse for her actions.

Following the withdrawal, police and the Airport Command will move to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift her lifetime flying ban, with further details expected soon.

On KWAM 1’s case involving ValueJet, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month. The authority will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him. In addition, the musician will be engaged by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for airport security protocols.

The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be reinstated after completing mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo revealed that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security staff on managing disruptive passengers and handling tense situations. Airlines will also hold special sessions to address staff behaviour toward travellers.

While stressing that the clemencies were granted on compassionate grounds, the minister added:
“Government will never yield to political sentiments or skewed legal opinions in matters of law enforcement. These clemencies mark the end of both cases.”