The Federal Government has withdrawn criminal complaints in two high-profile aviation incidents, granting clemency to Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson and Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decision on Wednesday after consultations with stakeholders, appeals from respected individuals, and consideration of the remorse expressed by those involved.

Emmanson was arrested over an August 10 unruly passenger incident on an Ibom Air flight. Following the airline’s agreement to drop its complaint, the Airport Command and police prosecutor will move to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has also agreed to lift her lifetime flight ban, with details to follow.

In the ValueJet case, KWAM 1’s flight ban has been reduced to one month. The NCAA will withdraw its complaint, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will work with the musician in an ambassadorial role promoting proper airport security protocol. ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will also have their licences restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

Keyamo said a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and improving relations with travellers.

He stressed that the clemencies were granted purely on compassionate grounds, adding that the government remains committed to strict enforcement of aviation safety and security standards.