The Federal Government has drop charges against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (popularly known as KWAM 1), and Ms. Comfort Emmanson for unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
The duo were accused of misconduct, which led to criminal prosecution.
Ayinde, in shown in a viral video, was seen blocking ValueJet from take off because he failed to comply with boarding procedures.
Emmanson, on her part, refused to switch off her mobile phone, and assaulted Ibom Air crew.
But Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced that the criminal charges against them have been withdrawn on compassionate grounds.
Keyamo in a statement on Wednesday said the decision was taken after consultations with stakeholders in aviation sector, and expressed the hope that all parties have learnt their lessons.
According to the Minister Emmanson, who was arrested after an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, said the air craft management agreed to drop its complaint after she showed “great remorse.”
He added that the police have been directed to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison this week, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria will lift her lifetime flying ban.
In the case of KWAM 1’s case, Kayemo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his flight ban from six months to one month, and as well criminal complaint against him has been withdrawn.
He added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will also engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security conduct.
Similarly, ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after serving a one-month ban and undergoing mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo also directed aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
Airlines will hold internal sessions to address staff conduct toward passengers.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo stressed, adding that safety and security in the aviation sector remain paramount.
“We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he said.
