BREAKING: FG Orders Ibom Air to Drop Charges Against Passenger, Reduces KWAM 1’s Flight Ban

Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has directed Ibom Air to withdraw criminal charges filed against Comfort Emmanson, a passenger recently remanded in Kirikiri Prisons. He also confirmed that the police have been instructed to take immediate steps to secure her release within the week.

The Minister made this known in a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, following consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector regarding recent high-profile incidents.

As part of broader resolutions, Keyamo also asked the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reduce the flight ban imposed on Fuji musician KWAM 1 (King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal) to a one-month period.

Addressing other recent controversies, Keyamo said the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET will be restored after a one-month suspension. However, both will be required to undergo a mandatory professional re-evaluation before returning to active duty.

“These decisions were made on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo stated, emphasizing that while the government remains firm in upholding the law, it also recognizes the need for balance and fairness.

“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views, or warped legal opinions when there is clear encroachment of our laws,” he added.

Keyamo concluded by noting that valuable lessons have been learned by all parties involved.