The Federal Government has softened its stance in two high-profile aviation controversies, granting clemency to an Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly conduct and to Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) over separate incidents. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with industry stakeholders and appeals from concerned Nigerians.
Ms. Comfort Emmanson, arrested on August 10 for allegedly assaulting a flight attendant aboard an Ibom Air Lagos–Uyo flight, will have her criminal charges dropped following the airline’s withdrawal of its complaint. Keyamo said the passenger had shown “genuine remorse” during police interrogation in the presence of her lawyer. Authorities confirmed she would be released from Kirikiri Prison this week, and the lifetime ban imposed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria will also be lifted.
Similarly, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has reduced KWAM 1’s ban to one month after the musician was accused of defying security protocols at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5. He reportedly refused to surrender a prohibited flask, splashed its contents on staff, and entered the tarmac, disrupting ValueJet’s operations. The FAA plans to engage him as an aviation security ambassador following his public apology.
The one-month suspension also applies to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences were temporarily withdrawn pending a professional reappraisal. Keyamo emphasised that the leniency was granted on compassionate grounds and not as a precedent for tolerating breaches of aviation law.
In response to the incidents, the ministry will hold a special retreat next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and improving engagement with travellers. Airlines will also undergo sessions on professional conduct and crisis management.
“These decisions draw a line under both matters,” Keyamo said. “While the government stands firm on safety regulations, we believe in second chances for those who show genuine penitence.”
