The Federal Government has reduced the flight ban placed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as KWAM 1) and withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the traveler who was accused of acting unrulily on an Ibom Air flight.
Following discussions with aviation industry stakeholders, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made the announcements on Wednesday.
According to the minister, the resolutions were made after evaluating the occurrences, weighing appeals from well-meaning persons, and considering the regret exhibited by those involved.
Keyamo revealed that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident.
“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 take steps 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 details to be announced soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce his ban to one month. FAAN also plans 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,” Keyamo stated.
The minister emphasised that the clemencies were granted solely on compassionate grounds, adding that ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will also be subject to the one-month ban; their licenses will be restored following a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo also announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, and airlines will have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped lal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Emmanson was removed from an Ibom Air flight from Lagos to Uyo after refusing to turn off her phone as instructed by crew members.
The situation escalated when she became physically aggressive, striking a flight attendant, and had to be restrained and escorted off the aircraft at Murtala Mohammed International Airport.
In response, Ibom Air imposed a lifetime ban on her from both local and international flights, citing its zero-tolerance policy toward violent or disruptive behaviour.
On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 caused a serious disruption at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when he attempted to board a ValueJet flight carrying a flask believed to contain alcohol, an item prohibited on domestic flights.
