Keyamo Orders Ibom Air to Drop Charges Against Comfort Emmanson, Eases Sanctions on KWAM 1, ValueJet Pilots

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has ordered Ibom Air to withdraw criminal charges filed against Comfort Emmanson, clearing the way for her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week. He said the Nigeria Police Force would take immediate steps to complete her release process.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Keyamo also directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reduce the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, from an indefinite period to one month.

The minister explained that the decisions came after consultations with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector, including airline operators and regulatory agencies, as well as those directly involved in the incidents. He said valuable lessons had been learned by all parties.

Keyamo further disclosed that Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet Airlines would have their licenses restored after serving the same one-month suspension, provided they undergo mandatory professional reappraisal.

“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on compassionate grounds, as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved,” Keyamo stated.