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| Ms Comfort Emmanson |
The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of its criminal complaint against Ms Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behaviour on a recent flight, and a reduction in the flight ban imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector. He explained that the resolutions followed a review of the incidents, appeals from well-meaning individuals, and the remorse expressed by those involved.
According to the minister, Ibom Air has agreed to drop its complaint against Ms Emmanson, who was arrested in connection with the 10 August incident. “When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said.
Following the airline’s decision, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will move to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with full details to be announced soon.
On the separate ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also intends to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols. “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” he added.
The one-month ban will likewise apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after they complete a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and managing tense situations. Airlines will have dedicated sessions focusing on staff conduct towards travellers.
Emphasising that the clemencies were purely compassionate, the minister said: “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
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