FG Withdraws Criminal Complaints in Ibom Air, ValueJet Passenger Misconduct Cases

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, following recent incidents of unruly passenger behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, in a statement issued within the last 48 hours after consultations with key aviation stakeholders, said the decision was taken on compassionate grounds after appeals from well-meaning individuals and the display of remorse by the parties involved. The Minister noted that while the incidents were regrettable, they have helped raise public awareness about acceptable conduct within the aviation sector and underscored the need for improved security protocols.

On the Ibom Air incident of Sunday, August 10, 2025, involving Ms. Emmanson, the Minister confirmed that the airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint. The Police, he said, would take immediate steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week. He also disclosed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban earlier imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced by the association.

In the ValueJet case involving KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month and withdraw the criminal complaint lodged with the Police. The music star will also work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols. The Minister further stated that the NCAA will restore the licenses of ValueJet Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after their one-month suspension and completion of a mandatory professional reappraisal.

The Minister directed all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with other security agencies, to commence a retreat next week aimed at retraining personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating potentially volatile situations. Airlines will also hold sessions to address staff conduct toward passengers.

He emphasised that the decisions were taken out of compassion, stressing that the government remains committed to enforcing aviation safety and security regulations, and that the clemency granted in these cases should not be interpreted as tolerance for misconduct in the sector.