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Aviation Minister Grants Clemency To Comfort Emmanson, KWAM 1, Orders Retraining Of Airport Security
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1), in a move he described as being taken on “compassionate grounds.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Keyamo said the decision followed extensive consultations with key aviation stakeholders, review of available evidence, and appeals from respected Nigerians. He noted that recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports — including the Ibom Air incident involving Emmanson and the ValueJet case involving KWAM 1 — had provided valuable lessons for both passengers and airline staff.
“It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability,” the minister stated.
Emmanson, who was arrested on August 10 after physically assaulting crew members aboard an Ibom Air flight, will regain her freedom this week after the airline agreed to withdraw its complaint. Keyamo said she showed “great remorse” during her police statement in the presence of her lawyer. He added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had accepted his appeal to lift the lifetime ban earlier imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced by the operators.
In the case of KWAM 1, who was accused of obstructing safe aircraft operations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will cut his flight ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint. The Fuji star is also expected to collaborate with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol. The ValueJet pilots involved in the same case — Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba — will have their licences restored after a one-month suspension and professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo directed aviation and allied security agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain personnel on handling unruly passengers and defusing tense situations. Airlines will also hold a separate session to address staff conduct toward passengers.
The minister stressed that while these acts of clemency were granted out of compassion, the government remained committed to upholding strict safety and security standards in aviation. “We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. Government will never pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when clear encroachments of our laws are involved,” he said.
The twin cases have generated widespread debate on passenger behaviour, staff professionalism, and the balance between law enforcement and public relations in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
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