FG Drops Criminal Cases Against Ibom Air Passenger, Reduces KWAM 1’s Flight Ban to One Month
The Federal Government has withdrawn all criminal charges against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an unruly incident on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and reduced the flight ban on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1) from indefinite to one month.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with aviation stakeholders, airline operators, and those involved in recent airport related incidents.
Keyamo said the cases were reviewed following appeals from respected individuals and the remorse shown by those involved.
For Emmanson, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint after she expressed “deep remorse” during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer. The police will now work to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has lifted the lifetime flight ban previously placed on her.
In KWAM 1’s case, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his ban to one month and dropped its criminal complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also partner with the singer to make him an ambassador for airport security protocols.
The Minister further disclosed that Oluranti Ogoyi, Value Jet’s pilot, and Captain and First Officer Ivan Oloba, suspended after the altercation involving KWAM 1, will have their licenses restored after serving a one month suspension and completing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Beyond these cases, Keyamo directed aviation and related agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and defusing tense situations. Airlines will also receive training to improve staff conduct toward passengers.
He stressed that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds but warned that aviation safety and security remain a top priority.
