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

Abuja, Nigeria–The Federal Government has withdrawn the criminal case against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of misconduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and has reduced the sanction imposed on popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, made the announcement on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector. He stated that the decisions followed a comprehensive review of both incidents, alongside appeals from concerned individuals and acknowledgment of remorse by those involved.

In the case of Ms. Emmanson, who was detained following an incident on an August 10 Ibom Air flight, Keyamo disclosed that the airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint. He added that Emmanson showed “genuine remorse” during a police interview conducted in the presence of her legal representative.

With the complaint now withdrawn, the Airport Police Command, in conjunction with the prosecutor, is expected to take steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Correctional Facility within the week. Additionally, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban previously imposed on her, with specific terms to be disclosed shortly.

Regarding the incident involving KWAM 1 on a ValueJet flight, Keyamo confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has decided to reduce the singer’s ban to one month. He added that, in light of his public show of remorse, the NCAA will also discontinue its criminal complaint against the artiste.

The ban also extends to ValueJet crew members involved in the incident—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—whose licenses will be reinstated following a mandatory professional reappraisal.

In a broader move to improve safety and passenger management, Keyamo announced a retreat scheduled for next week aimed at retraining aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and managing escalation. Airlines are also expected to participate in sessions addressing staff conduct towards passengers.

The minister emphasized that the leniency granted in both cases was based solely on compassionate grounds.

“Let it be clear: the government will never yield to politically motivated pressures or flawed legal interpretations in matters involving clear violations of aviation law. These clemencies mark a final resolution in both matters,” Keyamo said.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ August 13,2025