FG Withdraws Criminal Complaints in High-Profile Airport Misconduct Cases

The Federal Government has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1, following recent incidents of unruly conduct at Nigerian airports.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the decisions were reached after consultations with key stakeholders in the aviation sector and a review of the incidents.

“Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public,” Keyamo said. He noted that both passengers and airline staff involved in the disputes had acted wrongly and must acknowledge their own culpability.

IBOM AIRLINE AND COMFORT EMMANSON

Keyamo said he had conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested over unruly behaviour during a flight on August 10. “When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he stated.

Following the withdrawal, the Commissioner of Police for the Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will take steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week. The minister also confirmed that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her, with details to be announced by the AON.

VALUEJET AND KWAM 1

In the case involving KWAM 1, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is to reduce his flight ban to one month, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police,” Keyamo said.

The minister added that ValueJet pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will have their licenses restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.

NEXT STEPS FOR AVIATION SECTOR

Keyamo directed all aviation agencies, in collaboration with other government bodies, to begin a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. The press will have full access to the event.

Airlines will also hold sessions focusing on staff conduct toward passengers.

‘COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS’

“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on compassionate grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved,” Keyamo stressed.

He added that the clemencies mark a turning point, saying: “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.”