The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced a series of resolutions concerning recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports, including the withdrawal of a criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and the reduction of penalties against music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Keyamo said the decisions came after 48 hours of consultations with critical aviation stakeholders and parties involved in the incidents.
According to the minister, while the events were regrettable, they provided “valuable lessons” for both passengers and aviation staff, especially in highlighting the importance of airport security protocols and appropriate conduct within the aviation space.
“It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability,” Keyamo stated.
Keyamo revealed that following discussions with Ibom Airline, the carrier agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, who was detained after an incident on August 10, 2025. He noted that Emmanson had shown “great remorse” in her statement to the police in the presence of her lawyer.
The withdrawal paves the way for the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, and the Police Prosecutor to take immediate steps for her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her, with further details to be announced by the AON.
In the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce the musician’s flight ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint against him. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also collaborate with the artiste, engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols.
Additionally, ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month suspension, contingent on undergoing mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo directed all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with complementary government bodies, to hold a retreat next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. The retreat, he said, will be open to full media coverage.
Airlines will also conduct internal sessions to address the conduct and attitude of staff toward the travelling public.
The minister stressed that the decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds and should not be mistaken for leniency in future cases.
“We are also sending a clear message that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously, and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo warned.
Credit: @fkeyamo via X.
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