By Uboh-Ekong Treasure
The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Keyamo said the resolutions followed a review of the incidents, appeals from concerned Nigerians, and the remorse shown by those involved.
According to him, Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson over the August 10 incident. “When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” the minister stated.
Following the development, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri female Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also consented to lift the lifetime flight ban placed on her, with details to be announced soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flying ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also plans to appoint the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols. “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo confirmed.
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be reinstated after mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also hold sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
