The Federal Government has lifted the flight ban on Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the suspension imposed on Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after a review of the incidents and consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, the move followed appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and expressions of remorse from the parties involved.
“Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson after she showed great remorse when the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer,” 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 placed on her, with official details to be released soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has reduced his ban to one month and will also withdraw its criminal complaint. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, is set to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated, adding that the one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be restored after a professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further disclosed that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have special sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
The minister stressed that the clemencies were granted purely on compassionate grounds. “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,” he said.
