FG Withdraws Criminal Complaint Against Ibom Air Passenger, Reduces KWAM 1 Ban

Posted by Nwa Diokpa Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria Wednesday, August 13th, 2025

(AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Federal Government on Wednesday withdrew its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who was accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and also reduced the flight ban that was imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal better known as KWAM 1.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, disclosed this on Wednesday after consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector.

According to the minister, the decision was taken after reviewing the incidents and considering the appeals from well-meaning individuals, and also the remorse shown by those concerned.

According to Keyamo, Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested and detained over the incident that occurred on August 10.

“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he said.

Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will now secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. Also, the Airline Operators of Nigeria has also decided to lift the lifetime flying ban initially placed on her and this will be announced soon.

On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister stated that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce his ban to one month and FAAN has decided to make the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.

Also, the one-month ban will apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will get back their licenses after mandatory professional reappraisal.