The Federal Government has officially withdrawn criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (commonly known as KWAM 1) over separate incidents of unruly behavior at Nigerian airports.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), announced this decision on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, following consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Keyamo explained that the decision to drop the charges was based on appeals from well-meaning individuals, the remorse expressed by both parties, and the need to move forward while strengthening airport security protocols.
Case of Ibom Air and Ms. Comfort Emmanson
Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was arrested on August 10, 2025, after causing a disturbance on an Ibom Air flight, will have her case dropped following an agreement between the airline and the government. According to Keyamo, Emmanson showed “great remorse” when questioned by the police in the presence of her lawyer.
Her release from Kirikiri Prisons is expected this week, after the police complete necessary formalities. The Minister confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on Emmanson, and further details will be announced in due course.
Case of ValueJet and KWAM 1
In the case of Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his flight ban to one month and will withdraw the criminal complaint against him. As part of the resolution, KWAM 1 will also be engaged as an ambassador for promoting proper airport security protocols.
Additionally, the ValueJet pilots involved in the incident, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, will have their licenses reinstated after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Reforms in Aviation Security
Minister Keyamo also announced plans for aviation agencies to conduct a retreat next week in collaboration with other security bodies, aimed at retraining personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have a separate session focused on improving staff conduct towards passengers.
Keyamo emphasized that the decisions to lift the ban and drop the legal charges were made on compassionate grounds, and he stressed that this should not be seen as condoning lawlessness. “This is a clear message that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously,” Keyamo said. “These clemencies mark a line after which infractions will be met with full enforcement of the law.”