…Appoints KWAM 1 As Aviation Ambassador
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against female passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson and music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1. Both had been involved in separate incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, where Keyamo explained that consultations with key aviation stakeholders over the past 48 hours informed his decision.
Keyamo noted that while the incidents were regrettable, they underscored the urgent need for greater public awareness and adherence to proper conduct in the aviation sector.
Regarding the Ibom Air incident on Sunday, August 10, Ms. Emmanson showed remorse during her police statement, which prompted the airline to withdraw its complaint.
The Minister also directed all aviation agencies and related bodies to hold a retreat next week aimed at retraining airport security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating potential conflicts.
In his statement, Keyamo said, “In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.
“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.
“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. 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 that following her show of remorse, Ibom Air agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson.
“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 stated.
The Minister also revealed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her. Details of this resolution will be announced by the AON.
For KWAM 1, the NCAA has been directed to reduce his flight ban to a one-month suspension. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also collaborate with the artist, engaging him as an ambassador to promote proper airport security protocol.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police,” Keyamo added.
In relation to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, Keyamo ordered that their licences be restored after a one-month suspension. The pilots will also undergo mandatory professional re-appraisal. The NCAA will announce full details.
The Minister directed all relevant aviation agencies, alongside complementary agencies outside aviation, to begin a retreat next week. The aim is to retrain aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and preventing escalation of conflicts.
The retreat will be covered by the press, with opportunities for media questions. Airlines will also have dedicated sessions to address the conduct and attitude of their staff toward passengers.
Keyamo stressed that these decisions were made on compassionate grounds but warned that government will not compromise safety or security in aviation.
“We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he said.
The NCAA had earlier confirmed an indefinite no-fly ban on KWAM 1 pending investigation into his recent flight incident.
On August 7, 2025, Keyamo had directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a six-month no-fly list while a full investigation was carried out, warning both local and foreign airlines to comply or risk losing their licences.
According to NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, the investigation no longer had a fixed duration.
“It is no longer a six-month issue. It is until whenever investigations into this matter have been concluded,” Achimugu said.
Preliminary findings indicate that KWAM 1 had passed through airport scanners and entered the VIP lounge, where he allegedly obtained a bottle of water.
Passengers from the VIP lounge still undergo a second security check before boarding. At that point, security personnel discovered the liquid and informed him it could not be taken on board.
The allegation is that KWAM 1 refused to comply and walked toward the aircraft. Security personnel, avoiding the use of force, escorted him to the foot of the aircraft where the pilot was called.
In an attempt to prove the water was harmless, KWAM 1 allegedly splashed some of it, with droplets landing on the pilot. The pilot, angered by the act, re-entered the aircraft and shut the door.
Achimugu stressed that this account remains preliminary and no final conclusion has been made. The NCAA has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to investigate the matter.
On August 10, 2025, Comfort Emmanson was involved in an unruly incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo International Airport to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
She allegedly strangled a female crew member for about five to ten minutes after being asked to switch off her mobile phone. She was forcefully removed from the plane in Lagos, where she also attacked ground crew and aviation security personnel.
Ibom Air handed her over to the police and banned her from flying with the airline for six months.
Following her arraignment, she was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The Minister’s aide, Tunde Moshood, confirmed the development, cautioning the public against such behaviour.