Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant move to resolve recent disruptions in the country’s aviation sector, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against two high-profile unruly passengers and the lifting of associated bans. The decisions, detailed in a press statement released on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, follow consultations with key stakeholders and emphasise lessons learnt from the incidents.
The minister highlighted that the episodes involving passengers and airline staff had underscored the need for improved conduct and security protocols at Nigerian airports. “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,” Mr Keyamo stated. He noted that the events had raised public awareness about appropriate behaviour in aviation spaces, while acknowledging wrongdoing on both sides.
In the case of Ms Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in an altercation on an Ibom Airline flight on Sunday, 10 August 2025, the minister confirmed that the complaint against her would be withdrawn immediately. Ms Emmanson, who expressed “great remorse” during her police statement in the presence of her lawyer, is set to be released from Kirikiri Prisons this week, with the cooperation of the Airport Command Commissioner of Police and the prosecutor.
Additionally, the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Ms Emmanson, following an appeal from the minister. The AON is expected to release further details on the resolution shortly.
Regarding the incident involving renowned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, and ValueJet airline, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to collaborate with the artist to appoint him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols. Given his public demonstration of penitence, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against him.
The minister further addressed the airline staff involved in the ValueJet case. Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licences restored after a one-month suspension, subject to mandatory professional re-appraisal. The NCAA will announce the specifics of this process.
To prevent future occurrences, Mr Keyamo has directed all relevant aviation agencies, in partnership with other government bodies, to convene a retreat next week. This will focus on retraining security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. The event will be open to press coverage, allowing for questions from journalists. A separate session for airlines will examine staff conduct towards passengers.
The minister stressed that these measures were taken on “compassionate grounds” and not influenced by political or sentimental pressures. “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved,” he asserted. However, he warned that the government views aviation safety and security with utmost seriousness, signalling that these acts of clemency mark a firm line against further infractions.
