The Federal Government has reduced the ban on popular fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, from a lifetime suspension to one month. It has also dropped all charges against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who was recently jailed for unruly behaviour.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, disclosed the decisions on Wednesday, August 13, after holding talks with key stakeholders in the aviation sector, including airline operators and security agencies. He said the resolutions were reached after careful review, public appeals, and expressions of remorse by those involved.
Ms. Emmanson was arrested and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre over an unruly incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. Following consultations, Keyamo said the government convinced Ibom Air to withdraw its complaint.
“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he revealed.
With the complaint withdrawn, the Airport Command Police and prosecutors will process her release from Kirikiri Prison within the week. In a further concession, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) agreed to lift the lifetime ban previously placed on her.
For KWAM 1, who was sanctioned for a separate airport incident involving ValueJet Airlines, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cut his flight ban from six months to just one month.
“FAAN will also work with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” Keyamo said.
The minister also confirmed that criminal complaints against the Fuji icon have been withdrawn.
The ValueJet pilots involved in the same incident, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, will have their licenses restored after a one-month ban, following a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo said the government will hold a special retreat next week for aviation security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and defusing tense situations. Airline staff will also undergo training on better customer service and professional conduct.
The minister added that these decisions were made purely on compassionate grounds, not out of political or emotional pressure.
“We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. Safety and security in the aviation sector remain a top priority,” he warned.
