The Federal Government has dropped its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban earlier imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, made this known in a statement on Wednesday after consultations with key aviation stakeholders.
Keyamo said the resolutions followed a review of the incidents, appeals from concerned individuals, and the expressions of remorse by those involved.
He added that Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested in connection with the August 10 incident.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he said.
Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and the police prosecutor will take steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with details to be announced soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce his ban to one month. FAAN also plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
READ ALSO: Police to Investigate KWAM 1 Over Alleged Unruly Conduct at Abuja Airport
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
The minister stressed that the clemencies were granted purely on compassionate grounds, adding:
“Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”