The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced the release of passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson and reduced sanctions for individuals involved in recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Keyamo said consultations with aviation stakeholders over the past 48 hours led to the review of three high-profile incidents. He described the decisions as “purely on compassionate grounds,” aimed at fostering reconciliation while upholding aviation safety and security standards.
Ms. Emmanson, who was detained after disruptive behaviour on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, will be freed from Kirikiri Prisons this week after the airline withdrew its complaint. According to the minister, she expressed “great remorse” during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban imposed on her.
In a separate case, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall’s (KWAM 1) ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols. Mr. Keyamo said the decision followed KWAM 1’s public show of penitence, with the NCAA set to withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
The minister further disclosed that ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences were suspended, will have them restored after serving a one-month ban and completing a professional re-appraisal.
To curb future confrontations, Mr. Keyamo has ordered a retreat for aviation security personnel starting next week, in partnership with other agencies, to focus on conflict de-escalation with passengers. A separate session will also examine airline staff conduct.
“These clemencies mark the end of these cases,” Mr. Keyamo stated. “While we have chosen reconciliation, the safety and security of our aviation sector will remain non-negotiable.”
