The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behavior aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 to one month.
On August 10, 2025, Emmanson was involved in a confrontation with Ibom Air crew on a flight from Uyo to Lagos. Reports indicate she allegedly refused to comply with crew instructions, escalating into a physical altercation that led to her removal from the aircraft. Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, raising concerns about violations of her privacy.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Bar Association condemned the airline for disseminating the footage, calling it a criminal invasion of privacy, and demanded the withdrawal of the lifetime flight ban imposed on Emmanson. Acting on these concerns, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to withdraw all criminal complaints against her. Emmanson is expected to be released from Kirikiri Prisons after completing the required formalities.
Minister Keyamo emphasized that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds to foster reconciliation and strengthen aviation safety. He announced plans for a retreat involving aviation agencies to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating conflicts.
