Government Moves to Resolve Recent Aviation Disputes, Withdraws Complaints in High-Profile Cases

The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to address recent incidents of unruly behaviour involving passengers and airline staff at Nigerian airports, announcing a series of resolutions on compassionate grounds.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Wednesday disclosed that criminal complaints against two high-profile passengers — Ms Comfort Emmanson of Ibom Airline and Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1) — would be withdrawn following consultations with stakeholders, expressions of remorse from the individuals involved, and appeals from concerned parties.

The government has also directed a comprehensive retraining programme for aviation security personnel to better handle disruptive passengers and avoid escalation during tense situations.

Airlines will equally undergo a review of staff conduct towards the travelling public.

The announcement follows weeks of public debate after the two separate incidents sparked outrage, with both passengers and airline staff accused of misconduct.

The following below is the official press release in full:

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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 recent incidents of unruly behaviour at our airports.
2. Though regrettable, we believe valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides, particularly regarding airport security protocols. These episodes have served to heighten public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.
3. As stated in my earlier comments on the incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and airline staff. All parties must recognise their own culpability rather than solely emphasising the wrongs done to them.
4. After reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and noting the remorse shown by the parties involved, the following decisions have been reached:

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THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

(a) Regarding the incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Airline flight on Sunday, 10 August 2025, I have conferred with the airline to withdraw the complaint against her. During her statement to the police, made in the presence of her lawyer, she expressed great remorse for her actions.

(b) Following the withdrawal of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police (Airport Command) and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

(c) I have also discussed with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and appealed for the lifting of the lifetime flying ban imposed on her. They have agreed, and details of the resolution will be released by the AON in due course.

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THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

(d) In the case of Mr Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also work with him to serve as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

(e) Given his public display of penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 lodged with the police.

(f) Regarding Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet, the NCAA will restore their licences after the same one-month ban, following mandatory professional reappraisal. Further details will be provided by the NCAA.

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AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

6. I have 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. The press will have full access to cover the retreat and ask questions.
7. Airlines will also hold sessions focusing on the conduct and attitude of their staff towards the travelling public.

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FINAL COMMENTS

8. These decisions were taken on compassionate grounds. The government will not bow to politically motivated sentiments or flawed legal arguments where clear breaches of the law exist.
9. We are sending a clear message that safety and security in the aviation sector are paramount. This line of clemency marks a fresh start for all stakeholders.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)
Wednesday, August 13, 2025