Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has directed Ibom Airline to drop the criminal charges against Comfort Emmanson.
The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol following the controversy surrounding his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on Wednesday while outlining resolutions to recent incidents of unruly behaviour at airports.
According to Keyamo, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced the six-month flight ban earlier imposed on the singer to one month, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with him to raise awareness on acceptable behaviour within airport premises.
“The NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to one month. FAAN will also partner with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. Having publicly shown remorse, the NCAA will also withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1,” the minister stated.
The move follows appeals from notable individuals and K1 De Ultimate’s public apology over the August 5 incident, during which he was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
The musician stated that the flask he carried on the day contained water for medical purposes, not alcohol as alleged.
Keyamo stressed that the leniency was granted on compassionate grounds but reiterated that the government would continue to strictly enforce safety and security laws in the aviation sector.
The incident involved a heated exchange between K1 De Ultimate, airline staff, and security officials after he reportedly spilled liquid on personnel and walked onto the tarmac, preventing the plane from taxiing.
The NCAA had initially placed him on a no-fly list and filed a criminal case with the police before softening its stance following his apology.
