The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with stakeholders and a review of the incidents.

According to Keyamo, the resolutions followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and the display of remorse by the parties involved.

Ibom Air has agreed to drop its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10 incident. “When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said.

Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will work to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also resolved to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with further details to be announced soon.

On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his flight ban to one month. The musician will also be engaged by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for airport security protocols.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo said.

The reduced ban also applies to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after undergoing a mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo further announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, while airlines will have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.

He stressed that the clemency decisions were made purely on compassionate grounds.

“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views, or warped legal opinions when clear breaches of our laws are involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” the minister said.