FG Drops Criminal Complaint Against Ibom Air Passenger, Cuts KWAM 1’s Flight Ban
The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the no-fly sanction placed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (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.
Keyamo said the resolutions came after appeals from well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by those involved. Ibom Air has agreed to drop its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said.
Following this, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria will also lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with further details to be announced soon.
On the ValueJet matter involving KWAM 1, Keyamo revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will cut his initial six-month ban to one month, while FAAN will engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further disclosed that a retreat will hold next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct toward travellers.
He stressed that the clemencies were granted strictly on compassionate grounds, adding:
“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.”
Background
On August 10, 2025, Emmanson was removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to turn off her phone when instructed by crew. The situation escalated when she struck a flight attendant and had to be restrained and escorted off the aircraft at Murtala Mohammed International Airport. Ibom Air imposed a lifetime ban citing its zero-tolerance policy on violent or disruptive behaviour.
On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 allegedly attempted to board a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, carrying a prohibited flask suspected to contain alcohol. When asked to surrender it, he allegedly refused, poured its contents on security and crew, then walked onto the tarmac, obstructing the aircraft’s taxiing. The NCAA filed a criminal complaint with police, prompting the Inspector-General of Police to order an investigation under aviation safety laws.
