The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban earlier imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1).
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with aviation stakeholders and a review of the incidents.
According to Keyamo, Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident, following her expression of remorse during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer.
“The Airport Command and police prosecutor will now take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week,” the minister said, adding that the Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with details to follow.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his ban to one month. The ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will have their licences restored after undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.
The minister further revealed that the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1, and that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
A retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, while airlines will participate in sessions on staff conduct towards travellers.
Keyamo emphasised that the clemencies were granted solely on compassionate grounds, stating:
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
