ENTERTAINMENT
Ibom Air: Comfort Emmanson Case, Lifetime Ban Lifted
Ibom Air Withdraws Case Against Comfort Emmanson, NCAA Reduces KWAM 1 Flight Ban to One Month – Festus Keyamo Confirms
By Dickson Omobola
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced a major resolution in two high-profile aviation incidents involving Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson and Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1).
Speaking on Wednesday, Keyamo confirmed that Ibom Air has officially withdrawn its complaint against Comfort Emmanson, paving the way for her release from detention at Kirikiri Prison. He also revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced the one-year flight ban placed on KWAM 1 to just one month.
Comfort Emmanson Case: Lifetime Ban Lifted
Emmanson was arrested following an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. According to the minister, she showed “great remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer.
Following Ibom Air’s decision to withdraw the case, Keyamo said:
“The CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will now take the necessary steps to facilitate 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. Full details of the resolution will be released by AON in due course.
KWAM 1 Ban Reduced, Set to Become Airport Security Ambassador
On the KWAM 1 case, Keyamo announced that the NCAA will cut his flight ban to one month after consultations with aviation stakeholders. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also work with the Fuji star to promote airport security awareness, with plans to appoint him as an ambassador for proper airport protocol.
“The NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1, and he will work closely with FAAN to educate travellers on security and safety measures,” Keyamo added.
The minister also disclosed that Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet—initially affected by the KWAM 1 incident—will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month ban and completing mandatory professional reappraisal training
Keyamo stressed that both passengers and airline staff share responsibility for avoiding conflicts. He revealed that aviation security agencies will hold a retreat next week to train personnel on conflict de-escalation with disruptive passengers, while airlines will review staff conduct towards travellers.
“These clemencies are on compassionate grounds, but safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount,” he concluded.
