FAAN to make KWAM1 ambassador, halts prosecution of Comfort Emmanson
The federal government on Wednesday announced withdrawal of criminal complaints against two unruly air passengers, Fuji music legend Wasiu ‘KWAM1’ Ayinde and Comfort Emmanson.
Ms Emmanson’s life ban was lifted, while KWAM1’s was reduced to one month as Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria plans to engage him as its “ambassador.”
Aviation minister Festus Keyamo, in a statement on Wednesday, announced this decision, warning it is “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”.
Mr Keyamo said, “The NCAA is to reduce KWAM1’s flight ban to a one-month period, adding “FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.”
He added, “In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.”
The minister also said Ms Emmanson, would be released from remand in Kirikiri Prisons, while her flight ban is lifted and criminal complaints against her withdrawn.
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” Mr Keyamo said.
He added, “Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.”
According to him, the decisions were taken by the government and the airline operators purely on compassionate.
Last Tuesday, KWAM1 held hostage a ValueJet aircraft, while on Sunday Ms Emmanson was accused of assaulting Ibom air hostess and was arrested and remanded in Kirikiri Prisons.
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