The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), has announced the withdrawal of a criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and the lifting of a lifetime flying ban imposed on her by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). In a statement on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Keyamo said the decision was taken after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors.

Keyamo said he had conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against Emmanson, and the Police would facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week. “When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Keyamo said. He added that he had also appealed to the AON to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson, to which they agreed.

The Minister also announced the reduction of a flight ban imposed on musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (Kwam 1) to a one-month period. Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would withdraw its criminal complaints against Kwam 1, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would work with him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

Keyamo directed all relevant Aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain and prepare Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers. He emphasized that the decisions were taken on compassionate grounds, but also sent a clear message that safety and security in the aviation sector would be taken seriously. “We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” Keyamo said.