FG Orders Release of Comfort Emmanson, Eases Sanctions on KWAM 1, Pilots

By Ufuoma Omojirhe

The Federal Government has directed the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, in a bid to resolve recent disputes over unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

In a statement obtained by Metoric Post, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decisions followed consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and appeals from well-meaning individuals.

Emmanson, who was arrested after an incident aboard an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025, will be released from Kirikiri Prisons this week after the airline agreed to withdraw its complaint. Keyamo disclosed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had also agreed to lift the lifetime ban earlier imposed on her.

On KWAM 1’s case with ValueJet, the Minister announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced his flight ban to one month and would drop its criminal complaint against him. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol.

Similarly, the one-month ban on ValueJet Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will remain, after which their licenses will be restored upon completing mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo said all resolutions were made on compassionate grounds, stressing that government remains committed to enforcing safety and security in the aviation sector. He also announced that aviation and security personnel will undergo a retreat next week to improve their handling of disruptive passengers, with airlines expected to review staff conduct towards travellers.

“These clemencies draw a line. We will not pander to sentiments when laws are breached, but safety and security in aviation remain paramount,” Keyamo stated.