Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints and reduction of sanctions in two recent high-profile aviation misconduct cases, citing compassion and lessons learned for all parties.
In a statement on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, Keyamo said the government’s review followed consultations with key aviation stakeholders, including the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“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,” Keyamo said.
“If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation sector.”
Ibom Air Passenger Ban Lifted
One of the resolved cases involved Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight on Sunday, 10 August 2025. Keyamo confirmed that after Emmanson showed “great remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint.
“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,” the minister said.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson. Details of the resolution will be made public by AON.
KWAM 1 Sanction Reduced
The second case involved music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), who was earlier sanctioned for an airport security breach involving ValueJet. The NCAA will now reduce his flight ban to one month, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police,” Keyamo confirmed.
In addition, ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who faced suspensions, will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month ban and undergoing a mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Training and Reform for Aviation Security
Keyamo also ordered all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with other security agencies, to hold a retreat next week focused on retraining airport security personnel in handling unruly passengers and de-escalating conflicts. Airlines will also participate in sessions to address the conduct of their staff towards travellers.
“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo said, stressing that the clemency should not be mistaken for laxity on safety rules.
“We are also sending 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.”
Public Reaction
The announcement has sparked debates on social media, with some praising the compassionate approach while others caution against setting a precedent that could embolden unruly behaviour.
The minister emphasised that this resolution closes the chapter on both cases, but the government remains committed to strict enforcement of aviation laws going forward.
