Source : X Handle Of The HM
The Federal government has said the decision to pardon the Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmmason and Popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Marshal, also Known as KWAM 1 were done on compassionate grounds.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo made this known in a statement he personally signed and shared on his X handle on Wednesday.
He said the decision was reached after a review of the entire incidents, including appeals by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors.
Keyamo said he said directed the Ibom Air to withdraw their complaint against her and also for the Airline Operators of Nigeria ( AON) to lift the life-time flying ban.
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently,” he said.
In the case of KWAM 1, the minister has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) to reduce his flight ban to one-month period.
“FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
“In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA,” he added.
Furthermore, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside to retrain Aviation security personnel on how to handle disruptive passengers, and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The training will commence next week.
“The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus,” he said.
