The Federal Government, on Wednesday, reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1).
It also withdrew its criminal complaint against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight.
Emmanson had already been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court on criminal charges and remanded in prison.
A statement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the move was necessitated following consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the “unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent”.
Keyamo condemned Emmanson’s actions, noting that she was remanded because she failed to provide adequate sureties in court.
He also criticised the circulation of the viral indecent video, which showed her top torn and her upper body exposed.
He said he ordered action against the Ibom Air officials who leaked the footage.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce his ban to one month. FAAN also plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo announced that a retreat will be held next week to retrain aviation security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also have dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
The minister stressed that the clemencies were granted purely on compassionate grounds, adding: “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies”.
