The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints in two recent high-profile cases of alleged unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports, following consultations with aviation stakeholders and expressions of remorse from those involved.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said the decision was reached on compassionate grounds after reviewing incidents involving Ms Comfort Emmanson and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
On the case of Ms Emmanson, who was accused of disruptive conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025, the Minister confirmed that the airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint.
He said the suspect, who expressed deep remorse during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer, would be released from Kirikiri Prisons this week after police conclude formalities.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her.
In KWAM 1’s case, the Minister disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce his flight ban to one month and withdraw its police complaint.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
The Minister further revealed that the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba — also linked to the KWAM 1 incident — would be restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Beyond the individual cases, the Minister directed all relevant aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tensions.
Airlines will also review staff conduct towards travellers during the sessions.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” the Minister stressed. “Government will not pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when laws are violated. However, we are drawing a line after these clemencies, as safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount.”
