FG drops cases against Ibom Air passenger, reduces KWAM 1 flight ban

The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal case against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector.

Keyamo said the resolutions followed a review of both incidents, appeals from concerned individuals, and the expressions of remorse shown by those involved.

He confirmed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over an August 10 in-flight disturbance.

“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said.

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Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime ban previously imposed on her, with further details to follow.

On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will cut the musician’s ban to one month. FAAN also plans to engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo said.

The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will have their licences restored after a mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo further disclosed that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also join sessions focused on improving staff conduct towards travellers.

Emphasising that the clemencies were granted on compassionate grounds, the minister said: “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”