FG drops charges against Ibom Air passenger, Emmanson, cuts KWAM 1’s ban

The Nigerian aviation ministry has announced pardon for Comfort Emmanson and Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, (KWAM 1) over separate incidents involving them with two airlines.

K1 tried to stop a ValueJet aircraft from taking off while Emmanson was involved in a fight with Ibom Airline officials.

Aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, in a press statement announced that the authority was withdrawing criminal complaints and lifting flight the bans on them following “extensive consultations with aviation stakeholders.”

Both Emmanson, and K1 had faced criminal complaints and flight bans following incidents that happened just days apart.

Keyamo stated that Ibom Airline had agreed to withdraw its complaint against Emmanson noting that she showed “great remorse for her conduct.”

This decision will pave the way for her release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre this week. Keyamo confirmed that the Police had been asked to commence the process to get her released.

He added that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had also agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban that was previously imposed on her.

For Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce his flight ban to one month the statement added.

Keyamo also stated that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) planned to engage the music star as an ambassador for promoting proper airport security protocol.

The NCAA would also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.

The two pilots involved in the incident with Kwam 1: Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of Value Jet, would have their licences restored by the NCAA after a one-month ban and a mandatory professional re-appraisal, Keyamo said.

The minister said there is a new directive for a retreat to retrain aviation security personnel.

“The training will focus on handling errant and disruptive passengers” and on de-escalating tense situations.

Additionally, airlines would participate in training sessions, focusing on the conduct and attitude of their staff toward the public.