FG Orders Release of Ibom Air Passenger, Cuts KWAM 1’s Flight Ban to One Month

Federal Government orders release of Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson after airline drops complaint.

Aviation minister also reduces KWAM 1’s ban to one month following stakeholder consultations and clemency.

UPDATE: Court Dismisses Case Against Ibom Air Passenger Comfort

The Federal Government has directed the withdrawal of the case against Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger detained after an incident on August 10, 2025, clearing the way for her release from Kirikiri Prison.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said Ibom Air dropped its complaint following consultations with key aviation stakeholders. He added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban placed on Emmanson.

“Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week,” Keyamo said.

On the case of Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, Keyamo announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his one-year ban to one month. The decision followed talks with stakeholders over recent airport incidents.

FAAN will work with the musician to promote airport security awareness, while the NCAA will drop its criminal complaint against him. “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police,” Keyamo noted.

The minister also confirmed that the licenses of VALUEJET’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will be restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo stressed that both passengers and airline staff must take responsibility for their roles in such disputes. He said aviation and security agencies will hold a retreat next week to train personnel on conflict de-escalation, and airlines will review staff conduct toward travelers.

“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 added.