The Federal Government has withdrawn its criminal complaint against Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, and reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, the resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and taking into account the remorse shown by those involved.
He confirmed that Ibom Air had agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson, who was arrested over the August 10, incident.
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“When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo stated.
Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will take steps to secure Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri Prison this week.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban placed on her, with details to be announced soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving K1, Keyamo disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, will reduce his ban from six months to one month.
He said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, will work with the musician to engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocol awareness.
“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 Minister said.
Keyamo noted that K1 had publicly demonstrated penitence, prompting the NCAA to withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
The decision followed appeals from prominent individuals and the artiste’s public apology over the August 5, incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
KWAM 1 insisted the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons, not alcohol, as alleged by security personnel.
He was accused of spilling liquid on personnel and walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the ValueJet plane from taxiing.
The NCAA described the actions as a breach of aviation safety regulations and had initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list.
Keyamo further stated that ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will also serve one-month bans, after which their licences will be restored following mandatory professional reappraisal.
The Minister revealed that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
Airlines will have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards passengers as part of the wider reforms.
“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,” Keyamo said.
