Keyamo Frees Ibom Air Passenger From Kirikiri, Lifts Life Ban — Drops KWAM1 Charges, Makes Him Ambassador

Minister Keyamo Intervenes in Airport Incidents, Orders Release of Passenger and Lifts KWAM1 Ban....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stepped in to resolve two high-profile cases involving alleged unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

In a statement issued on August 13, Keyamo announced that he had reached an agreement with Ibom Air to drop its case against passenger Comfort Emmanson, who had been serving time at Kirikiri Prison following an incident aboard a flight on August 10. He said Emmanson expressed “deep remorse” during police questioning in the presence of her lawyer. The withdrawal of the airline’s complaint will allow the police to finalise her release this week.

Keyamo also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have agreed to lift the lifetime flight ban placed on Emmanson, following his personal appeal.

On the case of Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his indefinite no-fly ban to one month. Furthermore, KWAM 1 will be appointed as an ambassador for airport security protocol. The NCAA will also withdraw criminal charges against him.

Pilots involved in KWAM 1’s case—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—will have their licenses reinstated after serving a one-month suspension and completing mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo emphasised that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, with the aim of drawing a line under recent incidents while reaffirming the government’s commitment to aviation safety and security. He also directed aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to train personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating conflicts.