FG pardons K1, extends clemency to Emmanson
Favour Rotimi
The Federal Government on Wednesday pardoned Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, the Fuji music star, who was accused of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
The clemency was also extended to Comfort Emmanson who was caught in a viral video assaulting airline officials
The directive ordered Ms Comfort Emmanson to be released from Kirikiri Prisons.
The decision was reached by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who also said that the airline was directed to withdraw criminal charges against her.
In a statement by the minister on Wednesday, “the Police will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within the week”.
Keyamo said the development followed the outcome of consultation with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents.
He pointed out that both the passenger and staff of the airline were wrong in their conduct so it was best to settle out of court.
According to the Minister, valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to those incidents.
Noting that Emmanson showed deep remorse during a police interview in the presence of her lawyer, Keyamo said the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to lift the lifetime flying ban previously imposed on her.
He announced that from next week, airport officials will undergo compulsory retraining on how to handle disruptive passengers while adding that the leniency of the government was not based on sentiments.
“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.
“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,” the minister wrote.
