The Federal Government has withdrawn criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behaviour, and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, over recent incidents at Nigerian airports.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, saying the move was taken after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and consideration of appeals from well-meaning Nigerians.
Keyamo said Ms. Emmanson, who was involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, had shown “great remorse” during police interrogation in the presence of her lawyer.
He confirmed that the complaint against her had been withdrawn and that the Police would work to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
He also revealed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced by the group.
In KWAM 1’s case, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced the artiste’s flight ban to one month and would withdraw its police complaint.
He added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Similarly, the NCAA will restore the licences of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further directed aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
Airlines, he said, would also hold sessions to address the conduct of their staff towards passengers.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” the minister said, stressing that the government remained committed to safety and security in the aviation sector. “We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”