The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced significant developments in two high-profile aviation cases involving Comfort Emmanson and Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Keyamo revealed that Ibom Air has withdrawn its complaint against Emmanson, paving the way for her release from Kirikiri Prison.
The minister also disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority would reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban from one year to one month following consultations with aviation stakeholders.
Regarding Emmanson’s case, Keyamo stated: “Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.”
He added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson, who had shown “great remorse” during police questioning.
The minister further explained: “I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”
In KWAM 1’s case, Keyamo announced that the musician would collaborate with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on security awareness campaigns.
“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” the statement read.
The NCAA will also restore the licenses of ValueJet pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after their one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal. “Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police,” Keyamo added.
The minister emphasized shared responsibility in these incidents, noting: “It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.”
Keyamo announced plans for aviation security personnel to undergo conflict de-escalation training during a scheduled retreat next week, while airlines would review staff conduct protocols. He stressed that these decisions were made “on compassionate grounds” while maintaining the sector’s commitment to safety and security.