Following public outcry, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against Ayinde Wasiu, also known as KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmanson, who were recently involved in unruly behaviour at the airport.
Keyamo, in a statement, yesterday, said that over the past 48 hours, he had engaged in consultations with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector and individuals involved in the unfortunate incidents.
According to the minister, although regrettable, the events have served as important case studies for both the travelling public and airline personnel on the importance of decorum, compliance, and professional handling of security matters within the aviation space.
He also directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, and the Police Prosecutor to take immediate steps to secure Emmanson’s release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.
Also, following an appeal by the minister, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on Emmanson.
In the case of the Fuji music czar, Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe, the minister has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reduce his flight ban to one month.
Also, in the case of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, who were sanctioned in relation to the incident, the duo will have their licences restored after serving a one-month suspension and undergo mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Meanwhile, a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, yesterday, discharged Emmanson following the withdrawal of the five-count charge filed against her.
Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami struck out the case after the charge filed by the police was withdrawn.
However, Keyamo has justified his reason for giving Wasiu Ayinde a public ambassador for proper airport security protocol awareness. Keyamo said: “For further clarification, it is a common practice all over the world that a repentant offender is made to preach publicly against the exact conduct from which he has repented. It is akin to community service. It is not paid for, and it is voluntary service.” He said that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had also considered using Emmanson as its own ambassador for good passenger conduct.
IN another development, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), have condemned the remanding of Emmanson. They noted that her rights to dignity, freedom of movement, and due process were flagrantly breached.
Also, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a comprehensive legal overhaul of Nigeria’s airline operations, with a particular focus on strengthening protections for passengers’ rights.
It also condemned the alleged inhuman and degrading treatment of Emmanson. NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), who spoke during a media briefing yesterday, described the acts captured in viral videos as a severe breach of dignity, privacy, and human rights.
