ABUJA — Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has brokered a truce in two high-profile aviation disputes, leading to the release of detained passenger Comfort Emmanson and a drastic reduction in the flight ban of Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Keyamo confirmed that Ibom Air has withdrawn its complaint against Emmanson, who has been held at Kirikiri Prison following an onboard altercation on August 10, 2025. The move, he said, would allow the police to complete the process for her release within the week.
“Following the withdrawal of the complaint by the airline, the Airport Command and Police Prosecutor will take the necessary steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons,” Keyamo said.
The minister added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on Emmanson after she showed “great remorse” during police questioning.
On KWAM 1’s case, Keyamo announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had slashed his one-year flight ban to just one month. The musician will also work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for airport security awareness.
“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA will reduce his ban to one month and withdraw its criminal complaint. FAAN will also engage him in promoting proper airport security protocols,” Keyamo revealed.
The decision also affects pilots involved in the KWAM 1 incident — Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET — whose licenses will be restored after a one-month suspension and a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo stressed that both passengers and airline staff share responsibility for recent high-profile airport fracas, urging all parties to move on.
“These decisions were taken on compassionate grounds. We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he stated.
The minister also announced plans for a retreat next week, where aviation and security personnel will receive training on conflict de-escalation, while airlines review staff conduct towards passengers.
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