The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced the lifting of flight bans imposed on popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as KWAM 1, and Ms. Comfort Emmanson, over separate incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Keyamo disclosed that the decision was reached after consultations with key stakeholders, including the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and airport security agencies.
For Ms. Comfort Emmanson, involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025, the minister confirmed that the airline had agreed to withdraw its criminal complaint against her.
He added that the police would immediately take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison, while the AON had also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban earlier placed on her.
In KWAM 1’s case, Keyamo revealed that the NCAA had reduced his initial six-month flight ban to one month, following demonstrations of remorse from the musician.
The music star will also collaborate with FAAN as an ambassador for airport security protocol awareness. Additionally, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
The minister further announced that ValueJet pilots, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses were suspended over related incidents, would have their licenses restored after completing a one-month suspension and undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo emphasised that the government’s decisions were made on compassionate grounds but warned that future violations of aviation security rules would not be treated lightly.
He also directed relevant agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain aviation security personnel on de-escalation techniques and to review the conduct of airline staff toward passengers.
“These decisions draw a line after these clemencies. We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously,” Keyamo stated.
The recent cases have sparked national conversations on passenger behaviour, crew conduct, and the urgent need for improved conflict management in Nigeria’s aviation industry.
