FG Withdraws Criminal Complaints Against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, KWAM 1

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1, over recent unruly incidents at Nigerian airports.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, said the decision followed consultations with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector and appeals from well-meaning individuals.

Keyamo said that although the incidents were regrettable, “valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides” and that both airline staff and offending passengers bore some responsibility.

Case of Ibom Air and Ms. Comfort Emmanson
Ms. Emmanson, who was involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, will have her case dropped following an agreement with the airline. Keyamo disclosed that she expressed “great remorse” in the presence of her lawyer during a police interview.

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As part of the resolution, the Police and the Airport Command are to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her.

Case of ValueJet and KWAM 1
The Minister also announced that KWAM 1’s flight ban will be reduced to one month, with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

The NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against the musician. Additionally, ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who were sanctioned in the same incident, will have their licenses restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional re-appraisal.

Sector-Wide Reforms
Keyamo further directed aviation agencies to commence a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also hold sessions to address the conduct of their staff toward travellers.

He emphasised that the decisions were made on “compassionate grounds,” stressing that the government “will never pander to base sentiments or warped legal opinions” when laws are breached.

“This is a clear message that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously, and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo said.