FG Withdraws Criminal Complaint Against Passenger, Music Star in Recent Airport Incidents

By Chinedu Echianu

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1, following recent high-profile incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in the incidents.

According to Keyamo, although the episodes were regrettable, they have helped raise public awareness on appropriate conduct within the aviation space. “Clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and airline staff. All actors must acknowledge their own culpability,” he said.

Ms. Emmanson was arrested following an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. Keyamo revealed that the airline has agreed to withdraw its complaint after she showed “great remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer.

The Minister said arrangements are underway to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her. Details of the resolution will be announced by the AON.

In the case involving KWAM 1 and ValueJet, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce the musician’s flight ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also work with him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

Similarly, ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month suspension and undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo announced that all relevant aviation agencies will hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also conduct sessions to address staff conduct towards passengers.

The Minister stressed that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, not due to political or sentimental pressure. “We are sending a clear message that safety and security in the aviation sector are taken very seriously, and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he said.