….KWAM 1 becomes NCAA Ambassador
The Federal Government on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints of unruly behaviour against Comfort Emmanson and Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, aka KWAM 1, and Comfort Emmanson, at Nigerian airports and also slashed the sanctions imposed on the duo.
Festus Keyamo, SAN, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, disclosed that the decision was made, following consultations with critical aviation stakeholders and those directly involved in the incidents.
He noted in a statement that the decision was made on compassionate grounds and not because of any political pressure.
The minister acknowledged that both passengers and airline staff violated the rules, but expressed the belief that vital lessons had been learnt on all sides, and the events had underscored the need for proper conduct within the aviation sector.
“In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in the recent unfortunate incidents. If nothing else, the episodes have raised public awareness about appropriate conduct in our airports,” the statement read.
Ibom Airline and Ms. Comfort Emmanson
In the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025, the Minister announced that the airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint. Emmanson, who reportedly expressed deep remorse in the presence of her lawyer, is expected to be released from Kirikiri Prisons within the week after necessary police procedures are completed.
The minister also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, had agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced soon.
ValueJet and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, KWAM 1
With regard to the incident involving Fuji musician, KWAM 1, Keyamo said while the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, would reduce his flight ban to one month, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, will work with the singer to promote airport security awareness. Additionally, the NCAA will withdraw the criminal complaints against him.
According to the minister, the licences of ValueJet’s Captain, Oluranti Ogoyi, and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who were sanctioned in connection with the KWAM 1 incident, will restored after a one-month suspension, sequel to mandatory professional reappraisal.
Security Training and Conduct Review
The minister also announced that all relevant aviation agencies would hold a retreat next week, in collaboration with other security agencies, to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also participate in sessions focused on improving staff conduct towards the travelling public.
Keyamo warned that the government would deal with any future breach of aviation safety and security.
“We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain a top priority,” the minister stated.
