…reduces sanctions of KWAM1
The Federal Government has ordered Airlines operators body, Ibom Air to immediately withdraw all sanctions placed on Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson immediately.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, SAN where a clear directive was given on the issue.
Read details below:
PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW
CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT
EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED
MATTERS
1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation
with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector
and those involved in the unfortunate incidents
regarding the unruly behaviours of certain
individuals at our airports of recent.
2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons
have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and
airport security protocol, especially, have been
well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing
at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to
raise public awareness about appropriate conduct
within the aviation space.
3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the
last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed
by both the offending passengers and staff of the
airlines involved from all the evidence available to
us and those available to the public. It is clear that
all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight
the injury or injustice done to them without
all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight
the injury or injustice done to them without
acknowledging their own equal culpability.
5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents,
including appeals made by well-meaning
individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the
following decisions have been reached:
THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT
EMMANSON
(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms.
Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on
Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred
with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint
against her today. When the Police took her
Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited
great remorse for her conduct.
(b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint
by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command
and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the
remaining steps to facilitate her release from
Kirikiri Prisons within this week.
(c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the
Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have
appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban
imposed on her, to which they agreed.
The details imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details
of the resolution will be made public by the AON
subsequently.
THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE
MARSHALL (KWAM 1)
(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce
his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will
also work with the music star with a view to
engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport
security protocol going forward.
(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the
NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints
against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.
(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the
co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the
NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same
period of one-month ban after undergoing some
mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details
will be announced by the NCAA.
AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in
collaboration with other complementary agencies
outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat.
AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in
collaboration with other complementary agencies
outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat
NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our
Aviation security personnel on how to deal with
errant and disruptive passengers and how to
deescalate potentially explosive situations. The
retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the
opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
7. The Airlines will also have their own session
when the conduct and attitude of their staff
towards members of the travelling public will be in
full focus.
FINAL COMMENTS
8. These above decisions were taken by
Government and the airline operators purely on
COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will
never pander to base sentiments, politically-
motivated views or warped legal opinions when
clear encroachment of our laws are involved.
9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we
take safety and security in the aviation sector .
