Fallout of Airport misconduct: Wasiu Ayinde to act as security Ambassador for airport authority

The Nigerian government has directed Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to engage the controversial musician, Wasiu Ayinde popularly called KWAM1, who disrupted ValueJet airline flight in Abuja, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

Penpushing reports that the directive was contained in a statement by the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo while announcing the reduction of six months flight ban to one month, having being remorseful after the incident.

‘In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward’, Keyamo stated.

Penpushing further reports that on the female passenger Comfort Emmanson, who allegedly assaulted officials of Ibom Air who asked her to switch off her phone during take-off, ordered the airline to withdraw their complaints against her

The Minister, in a statement published on his X handle asked aviation regulators and an airline association to reduce punishments on the parties involved, adding that lessons have been learnt.

Penpushing also reports that Keyamo ordered that in the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal, adding that details will be announced by the agency.

The 68-year-old fuji musician it would be recalled allegedly insisted on taking an alcoholic drink on board a ValueJet airline despite the caution by officials of the airline, and he (Ayinde) tried to physically prevent the aircraft from taking off.

Penpushing reports that the musician and was almost hit by the aircraft when the pilot proceeded to taxi in preparation for take-off, and the incident led Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the two pilots involved while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) placed an indefinite flying ban on Ayinde.

The passenger of Ibom airline on her part allegedly assaulted officials of the airline who asked her to switch off her phone during take-off, and she was later controversially bundled out of the aircraft and had her clothes torn and her top body exposed during the process.

Penpushing further reports that Emmanson was promptly tried by the police and remanded in prison while Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) placed a life travel ban on her.

The details of Minister of Aviation press statement titled, ‘Decision to Withdraw Criminal Complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and to address related matters’, is provided below

1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.

2 Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

3. 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. 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.
4. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:

THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.

(b) 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.

(c) 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 CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.

AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

FINAL COMMENTS

8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.
9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.

FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

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