The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Ibom Air has withdrawn its case against Comfort Emmanson, leading to her release from detention. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also reduced the one-year flight ban on Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, to one month.
Keyamo shared that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban on Emmanson, and the NCAA will restore the licenses of the pilots involved in the KWAM 1 incident after they complete a month-long suspension.
Emmanson was arrested following an incident on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. Keyamo noted that she showed “great remorse” during police questioning. The withdrawal of Ibom Air’s complaint will expedite her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
In KWAM 1’s case, the NCAA will work with him to promote airport security awareness and has agreed to withdraw its criminal complaint against him. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also collaborate with KWAM 1 in this initiative.
Keyamo emphasized the shared responsibility of passengers and airline staff in such incidents. He announced that aviation and security agencies will hold a retreat to train personnel on de-escalating conflicts with disruptive passengers, while airlines will review staff conduct towards travelers.
These decisions were made on compassionate grounds, with a strong emphasis on safety and security in the aviation sector.
