The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that Ibom Air has withdrawn its complaint against Comfort Emmanson, enabling her release from detention.
He also revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce the one-year flight ban imposed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, to just one month.
In a statement on Tuesday, Keyamo explained that the decisions followed consultations with aviation stakeholders over recent airport-related incidents. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift Emmanson’s lifetime flying ban, while the NCAA will restore the licenses of pilots involved in the KWAM 1 case after they serve a one-month suspension and complete a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Emmanson, arrested after an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, reportedly showed “great remorse” during police questioning. With Ibom Air’s complaint withdrawn, police are expected to finalize her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
On KWAM 1’s case, the NCAA will not only shorten his ban but also drop its criminal complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will partner with him to promote airport security awareness, engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport protocol.
Keyamo also confirmed that VALUEJET pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving the same one-month suspension and completing retraining.
He emphasized that both passengers and airline staff share responsibility for the incidents and announced that aviation and security agencies will hold a retreat next week to improve conflict de-escalation skills. Airlines will also review staff conduct towards passengers.
What you should know
The clemency decisions are based on “compassionate grounds” but come with a renewed warning on maintaining safety and security in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Authorities aim to turn the incidents into learning opportunities for both travellers and industry professionals.
