FG Drops Criminal Case Against Comfort Emmanson, Reduces KWAM 1’s Flight Ban
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly conduct, and a reduction in the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), disclosed the decisions in Abuja on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
“In the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against her today,” Keyamo said. “When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”
The minister confirmed that following the airline’s withdrawal, the Commissioner of Police at the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor would expedite her release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre within the week. He also revealed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson.
On KWAM 1’s case, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce the singer’s ban to one month and work with him as “an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.” The NCAA will also withdraw its earlier criminal complaint against the music legend.
Similarly, the flight licenses of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, suspended over a related incident, will be restored after a one-month ban, subject to a mandatory professional reappraisal.
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Keyamo stressed that the government’s decisions were based on “compassionate grounds” and not political pressure.
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved,” he said. “We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain our priority.”
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The minister also announced that a retreat for aviation security personnel and airline staff would begin next week to retrain them on de-escalating tense situations with passengers. “The conduct and attitude of airline staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus,” he added.
