By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints in two recent high-profile airport incidents, including the case involving Ibom Air passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, and musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Keyamo said the decisions followed consultations in the last 48 hours with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector and parties involved in the incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
He noted that although the incidents were regrettable, valuable lessons had been learned by all sides, particularly in relation to airport security protocols and appropriate conduct for air travellers.
“If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space,” he said.
The minister explained that evidence showed clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and some airline staff, adding that all actors involved must acknowledge their own culpability rather than focus only on perceived injustices against them.
After reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and noting the remorse shown by those involved, Keyamo said a resolution was reached on compassionate grounds.
In the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in an incident aboard Ibom Air on Sunday, August 10, 2025, the minister said he had conferred with the airline to withdraw its complaint against her.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said.
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police at the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor would now take steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week.
The minister added that he had also appealed to the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, which they agreed to do, with details to be made public by the AON later.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce his flight ban to one month, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would work with him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
He confirmed that the NCAA would also withdraw its criminal complaint against the musician and restore the licences of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension and a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo directed all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with other agencies, to begin a retreat next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
He said airlines would also hold their own session to review the conduct and attitude of staff towards the travelling public.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when there is clear encroachment of our laws,” Keyamo stressed.
The minister concluded by warning that while clemency had been granted in these cases, the government remained committed to aviation safety and security, and would not tolerate future violations..