The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the resolution of two high-profile aviation disputes, leading to the release of detained passenger Comfort Emmanson and a reduced sanction for Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Keyamo confirmed that Ibom Air had formally withdrawn its case against Emmanson, who was arrested following an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. The development, he said, will enable the police to conclude arrangements for her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
“I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed,” the minister stated, adding that Emmanson had shown “great remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer.
On the case of KWAM 1, who was sanctioned after obstructing an aircraft’s departure at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his one-year flight ban to one month following stakeholder consultations. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also collaborate with the musician to promote airport security protocols, while the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
Similarly, the licenses of VALUEJET’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—suspended over their roles in the KWAM 1 incident—will be restored after a one-month ban and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo stressed that both passengers and airline staff bore responsibility for the altercations, noting that “all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.”
He further disclosed that aviation and security agencies will hold a retreat next week to train personnel on de-escalating conflicts with passengers, while airlines will review staff conduct towards travellers.
“These decisions were taken on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo said. “We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
