The Federal Government has ordered the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly conduct on an Ibom Air flight on August 10.
According to a statement posted on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the decision was based on “appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the passenger.”
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against her today.
“When the Police took her statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week,“ he said.
Read Also: Photos Of Passenger Who Assaulted Ibom Air Staff Emerge
Keyamo announced that he has appealed to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to lift the “life-time flying ban” imposed on Comfort Emmanson, and they have agreed.
The minister also directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to restore the licenses of ValueJet pilot, Capt.
Oluranti Ogoyi, and co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, after they undergo a one-month professional re-appraisal.
Additionally, Keyamo asked the NCAA to reduce the “six months no-flight ban” on Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), to one month.
He also stated that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would engage the music star as an “ambassador for proper airport security protocol.”
Keyamo added that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 because he has “publicly demonstrated penitence.” The minister said the NCAA would announce the full details of these decisions.
“In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.
“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public.
“If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space,’’ he said.
Read Also: Ibom Air Speaks On Viral Video Showing Passenger Stripped Naked
Keyamo stated that based on available evidence, “clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff members of the airlines” in the recent incidents.
He added that all involved parties must acknowledge their own “equal culpability.”
The minister has directed all relevant aviation agencies to begin a retreat to properly retrain security personnel on how to deal with “errant and disruptive passengers” and how to “deescalate potentially explosive situations.”
He also noted that airlines would have their own sessions to address the conduct and attitude of their staff toward the travelling public.
The retreat will be fully covered by the media, which will be given an opportunity to ask questions.
“These decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on compassionate grounds.
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachments of our laws are involved.
“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,’’ he said.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
To Publish Articles, News, Place Advert, Contact Informant Online With Email Link Below: informantonline.com.ng@gmail.com
