Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has dropped criminal charges against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson, following what he described as “wide consultations” with critical aviation stakeholders.
Keyamo said the decision came after reviewing recent incidents of unruly behaviour at airports, noting that both offending passengers and airline staff were culpable. He stressed that the episodes had “helped raise public awareness” about proper conduct in the aviation sector.
For Ms. Emmanson, Keyamo said the withdrawal of the complaint—after discussions with Ibom Air—would facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. He added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria had agreed to lift her lifetime flying ban.
On KWAM 1, the minister announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced his flight ban to one month and would drop its police complaint. The music star will also work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
Keyamo further disclosed that ValueJet pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licences restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
He ordered all aviation security agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating conflicts. Airlines will also review staff conduct toward passengers.
Keyamo emphasised that the decisions were made “purely on compassionate grounds” but warned that safety and security rules would be strictly enforced going forward.
