The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has ordered the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and popular fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1) over separate incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo said the decision followed consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and was taken on compassionate grounds after remorse was shown by the parties involved.
Ibom Air Incident
On the case involving Ms. Emmanson and Ibom Airline on August 10, 2025, the minister confirmed that the airline had agreed to drop its complaint. Emmanson, who was remanded at Kirikiri Prison, will be released within the week once police complete the necessary steps.
Keyamo also appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her—a request the operators have accepted. Details of the resolution will be announced by AON in due course.
ValueJet Incident
For the incident involving KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban from six months to one month. The music star will also be engaged by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
The NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him, while ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licences restored after serving a one-month ban and completing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Security and Training Overhaul
Keyamo further directed all relevant aviation and complementary government agencies to commence a retreat next week aimed at retraining aviation security personnel on how to handle disruptive passengers and defuse tense situations. Airlines will also undergo a review session focusing on staff conduct toward passengers.
He stressed that the decisions were acts of clemency, not an endorsement of misconduct.
> “We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo said.