The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger who was involved in an incident on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. This decision, announced in a press statement by Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), follows consultations with key aviation stakeholders and an appeal for clemency.
As a result of the withdrawal, police will now facilitate Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri Prisons. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her. The details of this decision are expected to be made public by the AON.
The government’s decision to withdraw the complaint and lift the ban on Emmanson was based on her display of “great remorse” during her police statement. Keyamo emphasized that this was a compassionate decision and that the government is still committed to maintaining safety and security in the aviation sector.
In a separate but related development, the Federal Government also addressed the case of musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1). The NCAA will reduce his flight ban to a one-month period, withdraw its criminal complaints against him, and FAAN will engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocol. The licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, who were also involved in the incident, will be restored after a one-month ban and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Following these incidents, all relevant aviation agencies will hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on how to de-escalate situations and handle unruly passengers. Airlines will also have their own session to focus on the conduct of their staff towards the public.
