The Nigerian government, in consultation with aviation stakeholders, has reversed the lifetime flight bans imposed on two high-profile individuals following recent incidents of unruly behavior at airports. This decision, announced by Festus Keyamo, was made on “compassionate grounds” and aims to address the actions of both passengers and airline staff.
The government’s decision follows a review of several recent incidents, which according to Keyamo, highlighted “clear wrongs” committed by both passengers and airline staff. The minister stated that “valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides,” and the incidents have raised public awareness about proper conduct within the aviation sector.
In the case involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Air on August 10, the government has directed the airline to withdraw its criminal complaint. Emmanson, who was being held at Kirikiri Prisons, is expected to be released this week following the withdrawal of the complaint.
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her. According to the announcement, Emmanson “exhibited great remorse for her conduct” when her statement was taken by the police.
Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (Kwam 1) and ValueJet
For the incident involving popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as Kwam 1 and ValueJet, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced his flight ban from a lifetime to a one-month period. The NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
Additionally, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) plans to engage Kwam 1 as an ambassador for airport security protocol, noting that he has “publicly demonstrated penitence.”
The licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet, who were involved in the incident, will also be restored after a one-month suspension and mandatory professional reappraisal.
In response to the incidents, the government has directed all relevant aviation agencies to immediately begin a retreat next week. The focus will be on retraining aviation security personnel on how to handle disruptive passengers and de-escalate potentially explosive situations.
Airline operators will also have their own session to address the conduct and attitudes of their staff toward the traveling public.
Keyamo concluded the announcement by emphasizing that while these clemencies have been granted, the government takes aviation safety and security “very seriously” and is drawing a clear line moving forward.
