The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson over her unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025. The decision follows consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and appeals from concerned individuals.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), in a statement on Wednesday, said the move was taken on compassionate grounds after Ms. Emmanson, in the presence of her lawyer, expressed remorse for her actions.

Following the withdrawal, the Airport Police Command will work towards facilitating her release from Kirikiri Prisons this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with details to be announced later.

In a related development, the ban on popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) has been reduced to one month. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.

Similarly, the licenses of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will be restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo disclosed that starting next week, aviation security personnel will undergo a retreat to improve their capacity in managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tensions. Airlines will also participate in a separate session focusing on the conduct of their staff toward the travelling public.

“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo said, stressing that government remains committed to safety and security in the aviation sector and will not tolerate future violations.