The Federal Government has eased penalties in two high-profile aviation cases, citing remorse from those involved and appeals from the public.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed that the criminal case against Comfort Emmanson, the passenger arrested for disorderly conduct on an Ibom Air flight, has been dropped. Ibom Air has also agreed to lift her lifetime flying ban, paving the way for her release from prison.
In a separate decision, the one-year flight ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) has been reduced to one month. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will also withdraw its complaint, while the artist will serve as an ambassador for airport security awareness.
The reduced ban also applies to ValueJet pilot Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot Ivan Oloba, who will return to duty after mandatory retraining.
Keyamo said a sector-wide retraining programme will begin next week to improve how security personnel and airline staff manage disruptive passengers.
“These decisions are purely on compassionate grounds,” the minister stated. “But when our laws are breached, government will not be swayed by sentiment.”
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