FG lifts flight bans on KWAM 1, Emmanson over airport incidents
The Federal Government has resolved recent disputes arising from unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports, lifting bans and easing sanctions on those involved after consultations with key aviation stakeholders.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday, noting that both passengers and airline staff bore responsibility for the incidents. He said the review followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and remorse shown by those involved.
In the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, Keyamo said the airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint. This will enable police to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also agreed to lift her lifetime flight ban, with details to be announced later.
For Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), involved in a ValueJet incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) reduced his flight ban to one month and will withdraw its criminal complaint against him. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security conduct.
ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, earlier sanctioned over the same incident, will have their licenses restored after a one-month suspension and completion of mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo directed aviation and complementary security agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. He said airlines will also review the conduct of their staff toward the travelling public.
The minister stressed that the decisions were taken on compassionate grounds and should not be seen as a precedent for leniency when aviation security laws are breached.
“We are sending a clear message that safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount, and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo stated.
