FG Withdraws Complaint Against Ibom Air Passenger, Reduces KWAM 1’s Flight Ban
Oru Leonard
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development in Nigeria, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Comfort Emmanson, a passenger involved in an altercation with Ibom Air staff on August 10, 2025. The decision was made on compassionate grounds after Emmanson showed remorse for her actions during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer.
Accordion to the Minister, the incidents, though regrettable, have highlighted airport security protocols and raised public awareness about aviation conduct. Both passengers and airline staff were found culpable. “After reviewing the incidents with stakeholders and considering appeals and remorse, decisions were made to address the situations, including withdrawing complaints and reducing penalties, acknowledging shared responsibility and promoting a more constructive approach.”
Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, paving the way for her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), has agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson, with details to be made public by AON subsequently.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), will reduce Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall’s (KWAM 1) flight ban to a one-month period, while The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with KWAM 1 as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
The NCAA will also restore the licenses of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month ban and mandatory professional reappraisal.
The Aviation Minister directed that a retreat should be held to build capacity and to improve the services ofagencies, Keyamo has directed a retreat to hold next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tensions.
Airlines have been directed to review staff conduct towards travelers during the sessions.
