Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has consulted with industry stakeholders and withdrawn criminal charges against passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson and musician KWAM 1.
“If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space,” he said.
With plans in place for Emmanson’s release from prison and the lifting of her lifetime flight ban, Keyamo declared that the complaint against her had been dropped after she expressed regret.
“As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public,” the minister said.
“It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.
“Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors.
“Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, the following decisions have been reached: including withdrawal of complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, after conferring with Ibom Airline.
” When the police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
” 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.
” I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently.”
The NCAA has lowered his flight ban for KWAM 1 to one month, withdrawn its police complaint against him, and appointed him as an ambassador for airport security procedures.
Two ValueJet pilots will have their licenses reinstated by the NCAA following a one-month suspension and required professional reappraisal.
Additionally, Keyamo ordered an immediate review of airline staff conduct and retraining of aviation security personnel. He emphasized that the choices were made out of compassion, but he cautioned that security and safety are still of utmost importance.
