The Federal Government has reviewed the penalties imposed in two controversial aviation incidents, reducing Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal’s indefinite no-fly ban to one month and securing the release of an Ibom Air passenger jailed after an onboard altercation.
KWAM 1’s Ban Cut After Stakeholder Consultations
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday after “critical consultations” with stakeholders in the aviation industry.
“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period,” Keyamo stated. “The same applies to Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet, who will have their licenses restored after undergoing a mandatory professional re-appraisal.”
The penalty stems from an incident on August 5, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when KWAM 1 reportedly attempted to stop a ValueJet aircraft from moving. The act sparked nationwide outrage and led the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to impose an indefinite no-fly ban and request criminal prosecution.
Following the singer’s public apology and a show of remorse, the NCAA withdrew its criminal complaint. Keyamo further disclosed that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would engage the Fuji icon as an airport security protocol ambassador to help promote safe conduct at airports.
Ibom Air Passenger’s Case Withdrawn
In a related development, the aviation minister ordered the withdrawal of the criminal case against Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos who was involved in a heated dispute with cabin crew members.
Her case drew criticism from lawyers, the Nigeria Bar Association, and members of the public, who accused authorities of applying double standards when compared to KWAM 1’s incident.
Emmanson had been placed on a lifetime no-fly ban, remanded at Kirikiri Prison, and charged to court for assault. Keyamo revealed that, following appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and a display of remorse from those involved, the complaint was withdrawn, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) agreed to lift her lifetime ban.
“The CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will take immediate steps to facilitate her release within this week,” the minister said.
Security Personnel to Undergo Urgent Retraining
Keyamo also announced plans to improve how aviation security handles unruly passengers. He directed all relevant agencies to begin a retreat next week, in collaboration with complementary agencies outside aviation, to retrain officers on de-escalation techniques and proper passenger management.
The twin cases have generated intense public debate about fairness, proportionality of punishment, and the conduct of passengers and security agencies at Nigerian airports.
