BREAKING: FG orders withdrawal of criminal charges against Comfort Emmanson, reduces KWAM 1’s flight ban

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of Ibom Air’s case against Comfort Emmanson, clearing the way for her release from detention.

Keyamo also revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to one month following consultations with key aviation stakeholders over recent airport incidents.

In a statement on Tuesday, the minister said the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban earlier placed on Emmanson, who was arrested after an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.

He added that she expressed “great remorse” during police questioning and is expected to be freed from Kirikiri Prison this week.

For KWAM 1, the NCAA will restore his right to fly after the one-month ban, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will partner with him to promote airport security awareness. The aviation regulator will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.

Similarly, the licenses of VALUEJET’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will be reinstated after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo stressed that both passengers and airline staff shared responsibility for the incidents, adding that a retreat will be held next week to train aviation and security personnel on conflict de-escalation, while airlines will review staff conduct towards passengers.

“These decisions were taken on compassionate grounds,” he said. “We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”