FG Drops Criminal Charges Against Ibom Air Passenger Comfort Emmanson, Reduces KWAM 1’s Ban

The Federal Government has officially withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger previously accused of unruly behavior aboard an Ibom Air flight, and has also reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music icon, 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 key stakeholders in the aviation sector.

According to Keyamo, the resolutions followed thorough reviews of both incidents, alongside appeals from concerned citizens and recognition of remorse shown by the individuals involved.

Ibom Air Incident: Emmanson to Be Released

Ms. Emmanson was arrested on August 10, 2025, after refusing to turn off her mobile phone during a flight from Lagos to Uyo. The situation escalated when she reportedly struck a crew member, leading to her removal from the aircraft and subsequent arrest.

Ibom Air had imposed a lifetime flight ban on Emmanson, citing a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and disruptive conduct. However, Keyamo revealed that the airline has now agreed to withdraw its complaint.

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

With the complaint withdrawn, the Airport Command and police prosecutor are expected to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also consented to lift the lifetime flying ban, with further details to be announced soon.

KWAM 1: Ban Reduced, Ambassador Role Considered

KWAM 1 was involved in a separate incident on August 5, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He was accused of attempting to board a ValueJet flight with a flask believed to contain alcohol. Upon being asked to surrender the item, he allegedly poured its contents on airline staff and security personnel, then moved onto the tarmac—delaying the aircraft’s operations.

In response, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had filed a criminal complaint and imposed a flight ban. However, Keyamo confirmed that the ban has now been reduced to one month, following the artist’s public expression of remorse.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” said Keyamo.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also plans to engage the Fuji legend as an ambassador for airport security awareness.

Similarly, the ValueJet crew involved in the incident—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—will have their licenses restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

Aviation Security Overhaul

Keyamo also announced that a nationwide retreat would be held next week for aviation security personnel, focusing on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalation tactics. Airlines will also participate in sessions aimed at improving staff-customer relations.

While emphasizing that these clemencies are acts of compassion, Keyamo issued a firm warning:

“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.”

These decisions mark a shift toward balancing enforcement with rehabilitation, as the ministry moves to improve public trust and professionalism across Nigeria’s aviation industry.