The Federal Government has dropped its criminal case against Ms Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behaviour, and reduced the flight ban placed on Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said on Wednesday that the decisions followed consultations with stakeholders, appeals from concerned Nigerians, and the remorse shown by those involved.
He explained that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint over the August 10 incident involving Ms Emmanson.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” 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 will also lift her lifetime flight ban, with details to be announced soon.
On the separate ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had decided to cut his ban to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria also plans to name him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo said.
The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will regain their licences after a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo added that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security staff on handling disruptive passengers and resolving tense situations. Airlines will also take part in sessions on improving staff conduct toward travellers.
He stressed that the clemencies were granted only on compassionate grounds, stating, “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.”
