The Federal Government has lowered the flight restriction placed on Fuji music singer Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as KWAM 1) and withdrawn its criminal case against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the traveler who was accused of acting unrulily on an Ibom Air aircraft.
Following discussions with aviation industry stakeholders, Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made the announcements on Wednesday.
“The resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, taking into consideration appeals from well-meaning individuals, and taking into consideration the remorse shown by those involved,” the minister said.
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“When the Police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct,” he said.
The Airport Command and the police prosecutor will take action to ensure her release from Kirikiri Prison this week after the withdrawal.
Additionally, the minister revealed that Ibom Air and other airline operators have agreed to lift her lifetime flying ban; specifics will be revealed soon.
On the ValueJet incident involving KWAM 1, the minister announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will decrease his ban to one month. FAAN also plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security standards.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba will also be subject to the one-month ban; their licenses will be reinstated following a required professional reappraisal.
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Keyamo said that a retreat will be held the following week to retrain aviation security personnel on handling unruly passengers and defusing tense situations, and that airlines will hold special sessions to address staff behaviour towards travellers. The minister emphasised that the clemencies were granted solely out of compassion, 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”, he added.
