FG Withdraws Case Against Ibom Air Passenger Comfort Emmanson, Reduces Ban On KWAM 1

The Federal Government has dropped its case against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an unruly incident on an Ibom Air flight that led to her being remanded in prison.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will cut the one-year flight ban placed on Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to one month.

The decision followed days of consultations between Keyamo and key stakeholders in the aviation sector, as well as those directly connected to the case.

KanyiDaily recalls that Comfort Emmanson was accused of assaulting a flight attendant and clashing with security officials at the airport.

She was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on criminal charges and sent to Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to provide the required sureties for bail.

While condemning her behaviour, Keyamo had earlier criticised the release of a viral video showing Emmanson with her clothing torn, calling it indecent and ordering action against Ibom Air staff believed to have leaked it.

The incident sparked public outrage, with civil society groups, the Nigerian Bar Association, and members of the public accusing the airline and the Airline Operators of Nigeria of mishandling the matter.

In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo said both the passenger and the airline staff had committed wrongs during the incident, but that all sides had now shown remorse.

The minister added that the events had, at least, drawn public attention to proper conduct and security rules at airports.

“In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports in recent.

“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public.

“If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved, from all the evidence available to us and that available to the public.

“It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability,” the statement read in part.

Following deliberations, “including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors”, Keyamo said he had prevailed on Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against Emmason.

“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”

Keyamo noted that the female Ibom passenger will be released from Kirikir prison immediately, and the lifetime flying ban will also be lifted.

“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within 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 details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”

Keyamo also reduced the flight ban imposed on  KWAM 1, adding that the NCAA will restore the licenses of pilots involved in the case after they complete a month-long suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” the statement reads.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

“In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.”

Festus Keyamo stressed that both passengers and airline staff bore responsibility for the incidents.

“It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability,” he added.

The minister said that aviation and complementary security agencies would hold a retreat next week to train personnel on de-escalating conflicts with disruptive passengers, while airlines would review staff conduct towards travellers.

“These decisions were taken on compassionate grounds. We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo added.

KanyiDaily had reported how Kwam 1’s unruly behaviour disrupted the safe operation of a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.