ABUJA: Over the past 48 hours, I have engaged in thorough consultations with key stakeholders within the aviation sector, including those directly involved in the recent unfortunate incidents concerning unruly passenger behavior at our airports.
These consultations have been critical in shaping a responsible and measured response to the events that have attracted widespread public attention.
While the incidents in question are deeply regrettable, they have also presented valuable lessons for all parties involved. In particular, they have underscored the need to reinforce airport security protocols and raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation environment.
These episodes, though challenging, have served as a catalyst for a much-needed national conversation on the standards expected from both passengers and airline staff in the interest of safety and mutual respect.
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As I have previously indicated, the evidence from these incidents clearly points to wrongdoing on both sides the passengers involved and certain airline personnel.
It is important to emphasize that no party should claim exclusive victimhood without acknowledging their own role in the escalation of these conflicts.
Accountability is key, and it is vital that all actors involved recognize their equal culpability to ensure progress and prevent recurrence.
After a comprehensive review of the events, including consideration of appeals from concerned individuals and expressions of remorse from those involved, the following decisions have been made:
Regarding Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in an unruly passenger incident on Ibom Airline on Sunday, August 10, 2025, I have engaged directly with the airline’s management and agreed to withdraw the criminal complaint filed against her.
During the police interview, conducted in the presence of her legal counsel, Ms. Emmanson expressed sincere remorse for her actions.
Following this withdrawal, the Commissioner of Police of the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately initiate necessary procedures to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within the course of this week.
In addition, I have liaised with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to appeal for the lifting of the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on Ms. Emmanson. The AON has agreed in principle to lift this ban, with the specifics of this resolution to be formally announced by the organization in due course.
In relation to the incident involving renowned music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has agreed to reduce his flight ban to a period of one month.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will collaborate with KWAM 1 to explore opportunities for his involvement as an ambassador promoting proper airport security protocols going forward.
Further, the NCAA will withdraw the criminal complaints it had earlier filed with the police against KWAM 1, acknowledging his public demonstration of remorse.
For Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet, the NCAA has decided to reinstate their licenses after a one-month suspension, contingent upon their completion of mandatory professional re-appraisal. Full details of these decisions will be communicated by the NCAA.
I have mandated all relevant aviation agencies, in collaboration with complementary government bodies, to immediately convene a retreat next week focused on retraining airport security personnel.
This training will concentrate on effective management of unruly passengers and methods to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. The retreat will be fully accessible to the press, offering opportunities for detailed inquiries and transparency.
Furthermore, airlines will conduct parallel sessions emphasizing the importance of staff conduct and attitude towards the traveling public, ensuring that frontline personnel uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect.
The decisions outlined above were made based purely on compassionate grounds. Government remains firmly committed to upholding the rule of law and will not be swayed by political sentiments, baseless public opinion, or distorted legal arguments when clear breaches of the law have occurred.
At the same time, this is a clear and unequivocal message that the safety and security of the aviation sector remain paramount.
While we are extending clemency in these specific cases, we draw a firm line against any behavior that threatens the safety, security, and dignity of air travel.
We trust that these steps will help restore public confidence and reinforce the standards that must govern our airports and airlines.
