In a surprise policy shift, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered the withdrawal of criminal complaints and flight bans in two recent high-profile cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports—one involving an Ibom Air passenger, the other legendary fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (popularly known as KWAM 1).
The minister announced the decisions in a statement issued Wednesday, citing compassionate grounds and remorse shown by the actors. He emphasised that the government’s stance on aviation safety remains uncompromising, warning that this clemency “draws a line” for future conduct.
Ms. Emmanson was at the centre of a viral incident aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 on August 10, 2025, in which she was accused of refusing to turn off her mobile phone before take-off, assaulting cabin crew, and attacking ground staff after landing in Lagos.
Initially banned indefinitely from flying locally and internationally by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, and remanded at Kirikiri Prisons, Emmanson’s fate took a dramatic turn following a review by the minister.
Keyamo confirmed that:
- Ibom Air has withdrawn its criminal complaint after the passenger, in the presence of her lawyer, “exhibited great remorse.”
- The Airport Police Command will work to secure her release from prison this week.
- The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with details to be released soon.
In a separate incident involving ValueJet, KWAM 1 had faced sanctions from the NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over an altercation with security personnel.
The new decisions include:
- Reduction of his flight ban to one month.
- Withdrawal of the NCAA’s criminal complaint.
- Engagement of the musician as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
The pilots involved—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—will have their licenses restored after serving the same one-month suspension and undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo ordered:
- An aviation security retreat next week to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
- Airline-led sessions focusing on staff conduct and public relations with the travelling public.
- Press coverage of the retreat, giving journalists an opportunity to question officials directly.
The minister stressed that while the government has shown compassion in these cases, safety and security in the aviation sector are paramount. “We will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved,” he said.
The decisions are likely to spark debate among passengers, airline workers, and the general public. While some will see the moves as a welcome display of mercy and conflict resolution, others may worry about the precedent it sets for passenger discipline and aviation law enforcement.
