Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has intervened in multiple high-profile aviation cases, ordering significant relief measures for those involved.
Keyamo has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to withdraw its criminal complaints against veteran musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, and to reduce his flight ban from six months to one month.
In a similar move, the NCAA will reinstate the licenses of VALUEJET’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension period.
Addressing the case of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Airline passenger recently detained, the minister revealed that he had reached an agreement with Ibom Airline to withdraw its complaint against her.
He further instructed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to take immediate steps to secure her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.
Keyamo also met with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and successfully appealed for the lifting of the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on Ms. Emmanson.
Verified Facts
1. Withdrawal of Criminal Complaints & Flight Ban Reduction for K1 De Ultimate
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has indeed directed the NCAA to withdraw criminal complaints against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (K1 De Ultimate) and to reduce his flight ban from six months to one month.
Additionally, the NCAA will restore the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba of ValueJet after the same one-month suspension period, contingent upon fulfillment of mandatory professional re-appraisal.
2. Withdrawal of Complaint & Release of Ms. Comfort Emmanson
Keyamo confirmed that he conferred with Ibom Air to withdraw the complaint against Ms. Comfort Emmanson and directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to take immediate action for her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week.
She was subsequently discharged in court, with the Magistrate striking out the charges against her.
3. Lifting of Lifetime Flying Ban
The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban that had been imposed on Ms. Emmanson.
4. Additional Details
The interventions were attributed to the individuals having shown remorse and following appeals from concerned Nigerians.
Plans are in place for both K1 De Ultimate and Ms. Emmanson to possibly serve as ambassadors for good conduct, in line with a “rehabilitative” approach.
