FG grants pardon to KWAM 1, withdraws criminal complaints against Ibom Air passenger
The federal government has withdrawn criminal complaints against Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of unruly behaviour, and Wasiu Ayinde, Fuji musician, popularly known as KWAM 1, over recent incidents at Nigerian airports.
Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, announced decision in a statement on Wednesday.
Keyamo noted that the decision was made after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and consideration of appeals from well-meaning Nigerians.
He said Emmanson, who was involved in an altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, had shown “great remorse” during police interrogation in the presence of her lawyer.
He confirmed that the complaint against her had been withdrawn, adding that the police would work to secure her release from Kirikiri prison this week.
The minister said the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with details of the resolution to be announced by the group.
Speaking on KWAM 1’s case, Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had reduced the artiste’s flight ban to one month and would withdraw its police complaint.
He added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Also, the NCAA will restore the licences of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo further directed aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week and retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” he said.
“We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
