In a comprehensive statement released on his verified X account on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Festus Keyamo, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, addressed recent disturbances involving unruly passengers Emmanson Comfort and airline staff at Nigerian airports.
The Minister revealed critical decisions taken following consultations with key aviation stakeholders, aiming to balance justice, compassion, and enhanced airport security protocols.
The Minister began by acknowledging the regrettable nature of the incidents but emphasized the valuable lessons learned, particularly about the need for better adherence to conduct and security protocols in aviation spaces. He stressed that all parties involved—passengers and airline staff alike—bear some responsibility for the disruptions witnessed, highlighting that none should overlook their own culpability.
Central to his announcement was the decision to withdraw the criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger involved in an altercation on an Ibom Airline flight on August 10, 2025. After discussions with Ibom Airline and review of her statement made in the presence of her lawyer, where she showed remorse, the complaint was formally withdrawn.
The Police and Airport Command have been tasked to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week. Furthermore, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her, with details of this resolution to be publicly disclosed soon.
In a related case involving Nigerian music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, known as Kwam 1, Keyamo announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month. Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage Kwam 1 as an ambassador for airport security awareness, acknowledging his public apology and the NCAA’s withdrawal of criminal complaints against him.
The Minister also revealed that the NCAA will restore the licenses of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension, contingent upon successful professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo underscored government’s directive for a mandatory retreat involving all relevant aviation agencies and complementary bodies to retrain security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating conflicts. Airline staff will also undergo focused training to improve customer relations.
Keyamo stressed that these measures are taken on compassionate grounds, balancing legal enforcement with fairness. He reiterated the government’s commitment to aviation safety and security, affirming a firm stance against misconduct while promoting better behavior within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
