Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of Ibom Airline’s criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an altercation with airline crew on August 10, 2025.
In a statement issued Wednesday morning, Keyamo said the decision followed 48 hours of consultations with critical aviation stakeholders and parties involved in recent incidents of unruly passenger behavior.
The minister also met with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and appealed for the lifting of the lifetime flying ban imposed on Ms. Emmanson, which they agreed to.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct. Following the withdrawal of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will take steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within this week,” Keyamo said.
In a related case, involving Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate), Keyamo directed the NCAA to withdraw its criminal complaints and reduce his flight ban to one month.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also partner with him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
Additionally, the NCAA will restore the licenses of VALUEJET’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo emphasized that the decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds.
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when there is clear encroachment of our laws. However, after these clemencies, we are drawing a line while sending a clear message that safety and security in the aviation sector remain a top priority,” he stated.
