The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), following recent controversies involving unruly passenger behavior at Nigerian airports.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), revealed that after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and review of events surrounding the incidents, the government decided to resolve the matters on compassionate grounds.
Comfort Emmanson’s Case Withdrawn
Ms. Comfort Emmanson had been arrested and detained at Kirikiri Prisons after an altercation aboard Ibom Air on August 10, 2025. According to Keyamo, she showed “great remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer.
Following discussions with Ibom Air, the airline has agreed to withdraw its complaint, and arrangements have been made for her immediate release. The Airport Command Police Commissioner and Prosecutor are expected to facilitate her release within the week.
In a related move, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban earlier imposed on Emmanson. The AON is expected to release further details on the resolution in due course.
KWAM 1 Ban Reduced, Charges Dropped
In the case involving Fuji icon KWAM 1 and ValueJet, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has decided to reduce his flying ban to one month. Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage the music star as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
The NCAA has also withdrawn its criminal complaint against KWAM 1, citing his public demonstration of penitence.
Two ValueJet crew members Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba — who were affected by the incident will have their licenses restored after a one-month suspension and a mandatory professional reappraisal, the minister confirmed.
Sector-Wide Reforms Coming
Keyamo disclosed that the government has directed a comprehensive retreat for all aviation security personnel starting next week. The initiative aims to retrain staff on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. The retreat will be open to media coverage, ensuring transparency.
Airline staff conduct will also come under scrutiny, with a separate session planned to address concerns about how airline employees treat the travelling public.
Government’s Final Warning
Keyamo emphasized that the clemencies granted in these cases should not be mistaken for weakness.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds, not due to any political pressure,” he stated. “We are sending a clear message that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously, and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
The minister concluded by affirming that all parties involved have learned valuable lessons, and the events have helped raise public awareness on proper conduct in aviation spaces.
