The Federal Government has dropped its criminal complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger accused of misconduct, and reduced the ban imposed on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday after consultations with aviation stakeholders and a review of both incidents.

According to Keyamo, Ibom Air has agreed to withdraw its complaint against Ms. Emmanson, who was arrested on August 10 after allegedly refusing to switch off her phone, assaulting a crew member, and being forcibly removed from a Lagos–Uyo flight. The Airline Operators of Nigeria will also lift the lifetime ban placed on her, with details to be released soon.

“When police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” the minister said. Following the withdrawal, the Airport Command will work to secure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week.

On KWAM 1’s case, which occurred on August 5 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the minister revealed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his flight ban to one month. The Fuji star had been accused of refusing to surrender a prohibited flask, pouring its contents on airline staff, and obstructing an aircraft on the tarmac.

The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who will regain their licenses after undergoing professional reappraisal.

Keyamo added that FAAN plans to appoint KWAM 1 as an ambassador for airport security awareness. A retreat will also be held next week to retrain aviation security staff on handling disruptive passengers and improving airline–passenger relations.

He stressed that the clemency decisions were based on compassion, not political or public pressure:

“Government will never pander to base sentiments when our laws are breached. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”