The Federal Government has withdrawn criminal complaints in two recent high-profile cases of alleged unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports, citing consultations with aviation stakeholders and remorse expressed by the accused.
The decision affects incidents involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and Ms. Comfort Emmanson. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban it had imposed on Ms. Emmanson.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said the move was made on compassionate grounds after reviewing the circumstances.
In Ms. Emmanson’s case, she was accused of disruptive behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025. The airline has agreed to withdraw its complaint. Following a police interview—attended by her lawyer—where she expressed deep remorse, she will be released from Kirikiri Prisons this week after formalities are concluded.
For KWAM 1, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month and withdraw its police complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also appoint him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Additionally, the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, linked to the KWAM 1 incident, will be restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Looking ahead, the Minister has directed all relevant aviation agencies to hold a security retreat next week to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and defusing tense situations. Airlines will also review staff conduct towards travellers.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” the Minister said. “Government will not pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when laws are violated. However, we are drawing a line after these clemencies, as safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount.”
