The Plateau State Police Command has arrested two suspects in separate operations, recovering three locally made firearms and live ammunition.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Alfred Alabo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, saying the arrests were made by operatives of the Kaduna-Vom and Nassarawa Gwong Divisions during intensified efforts to combat crime across the state.
He said the first arrest was made on August 4, 2025 when a patrol team from Kaduna-Vom Division, conducting a stop-and-search operation, intercepted 24-year-old Mark Ibrahim Dalyop of Sabon Layi Kuru. He was allegedly found in possession of two locally made rifles while riding a motorcycle from Vom to Kuru.
READ ALSO: Bandits Kill Three In Benue Community
“In another development, on August 11, 2025, operatives from Nassarawa Gwong Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 26-year-old Moses Aliyu of Fwave Chiki Rayfield, Jos. He was apprehended in an uncompleted building at Kwanga, where a search led to the recovery of a locally fabricated revolver pistol and one .9mm live ammunition,” Alabo stated.
The Command’s spokesperson added that both suspects are currently undergoing investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, as reaffirming the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has questioned the Federal Government’s handling of the case against Fuji Star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over his recent conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
He argued that the government, by hastily accepting his apology and granting him pardon without allowing the police to conclude its investigation, had lost the moral right to prosecute any unruly passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports.
Falana stated this in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The senior lawyer also alleged that the Federal Government decided to withdraw the charges filed against the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, Comfort Emmanson, because of the refusal to charge KWAM 1 with appropriate criminal offences.
The senior lawyer said, “Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the Federal Government will henceforth be accused of subjecting any unruly passenger to discriminatory treatment on the ground that KWAM 1 was ‘pardoned’ without any criminal trial whatsoever.”
Read his full statement here:
THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS LOST MORAL RIGHT TO PROSECUTE UNRULY PASSENGERS
The office of the Inspector-General of Police has commenced investigation into the serious criminal allegations levelled against Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 over his recent conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. One of the allegations being investigated is that the suspect opened his flask and poured its contents on a pilot, a security officer, and some passengers.
Without allowing the police to conclude the investigation and possibly file charges against the suspect, the federal government has hastily accepted his apology and granted him pardon. As if that is not enough, the federal government has announced plans to engage the suspect as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol after the recent controversy.
It is doubtful if the federal government has considered the full implications of the handling of the case of KWAM 1. By this hypothetical action, the federal government has lost its moral right to arrest and prosecute any passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports. For instance, the federal government decided to withdraw the charges filed against Ms. Comfort Emmanson in the Magistrate Court, the passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight because of the refusal to charge KWAM 1 with appropriate criminal offences.
Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the federal government will henceforth be accused of subjecting any unruly passenger to discriminatory treatment on the ground that KWAM 1 was ‘pardoned’ without any criminal trial whatsoever.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is considering an ambassadorial role for Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger who was remanded for alleged unruly behaviour but released after the complaint against her was withdrawn.
Keyamo said in a statement on Wednesday that the operators were looking at the option of “using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse,” as their “ambassador for good passenger conduct”.
Comfort (middle) was released from the correctional centre on Wednesday.
The Federal Government had said it would engage Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol after he attempted to block a moving aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.
READ ALSO:FG To Engage KWAM 1 As Airport Security Ambassador After Aircraft-Blocking Incident
While addressing the reactions generated by the decision, the minister said the government had been “fair to all”.
“Whilst the aviation agencies are considering using KWAM 1 for such a role, in my discussion last night with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), they are also looking at the option of using Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who has also shown remorse, as their own ambassador for good passenger conduct.
“It is left for the AON to work out those details since she was actually released from prison custody today [Wednesday, August 13, 2025] based on my earlier statement. Whilst the usual suspects can continue to question our decisions on this issue, we firmly believe we have been fair to all,” the minister stated in the post.
READ ALSO: UPDATED: Ibom Air Passenger Released From Kirikiri Correctional Centre
Keyamo had earlier said that the engagement of the singer as an ambassador for airport security protocol was a voluntary service that would not be paid for.
Keyamo, who disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said the clarification was necessary to dispel the notion surrounding the ambassadorial role given to KWAM 1 after he attempted to block a moving aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.
He said the role was akin to ‘community service,’ contrary to the belief that the word ‘ambassador’ is “a big position that comes with the perquisites of office”.
“For further clarification, it is 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 a voluntary service. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘ambassador,’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free,” the minister had explained.
He also said it was not the first time it had happened in Nigeria and would not be the last, as “examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria”.
Emmanson was discharged by Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami on Wednesday after the five counts against her were struck out, following the withdrawal of the case against her.
Keyamo had explained that the move was necessitated by consultation with critical stakeholders in the aviation sector.
Emmanson had been accused of assaulting a flight attendant and being confrontational with security agents at the Lagos airport on Sunday.
Following the incident, the AON imposed a no-fly ban for life on her.
The alleged assault led to her being arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on criminal charges and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State on Monday.
He explained that she was remanded because she failed to provide adequate sureties in court.
While condemning her actions, the minister also criticised the circulation of the viral indecent video, which showed Emmanson’s top torn and her upper body exposed.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said that the engagement of Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol is a voluntary service that will not be paid for.
Keyamo, who disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said the clarification was necessary to dispel the notion surrounding the ambassadorial role given to KWAM 1 after he attempted to block a moving aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.
He said the role was akin to ‘community service,’ contrary to the belief that the word ‘ambassador’ is “a big position that comes with the perquisites of office”.
“For further clarification, it is 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 a voluntary service. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, some would assume that once you hear the word ‘ambassador,’ it is a big position that comes with the perquisites of office. No, it is not. It is for free,” the minister explained.
He said it was not the first time it had happened in Nigeria and would not be the last, as “examples abound of such roles given to repentant persons by previous governments in Nigeria”.
READ ALSO: FG To Engage KWAM 1 As Airport Security Ambassador After Aircraft-Blocking Incident
The Federal Government had on Wednesday said it would engage the singer as an ambassador for airport security protocol after the Abuja airport incident.
But the decision attracted criticism from Nigerians who faulted the government’s action, in view of the arraignment and remand of a passenger of an Ibom Air, Comfort Emmanson, after she was accused of unruly behaviour on a Lagos-bound aircraft from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had imposed an indefinite flight ban and filed a criminal complaint against him.
However, in a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo announced a review of the sanctions, citing appeals from well-meaning individuals and the singer’s public show of remorse.
“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.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1,” the minister said earlier.
READ ALSO: IGP Returns NCAA Petition Against Kwam 1 To Airport Command
The August 5 incident involved a ValueJet Airlines aircraft preparing to taxi.
The singer was seen in viral footage standing in front of the plane and was said to have allegedly assaulted an airport official, an act that drew widespread condemnation, with calls for his arrest and prosecution.
He, thereafter, received an indefinite flight ban, and a petition was written against him.
But the singer, last Friday, released an apology, admitted his fault, and pleaded for forgiveness.
“I take full responsibility for all incidents. Once again, I seek forgiveness from Mr President, the Minister for Aviation, the pilot, the airline staff, passengers, and my fans across the globe,” the Fuji star had said in a video.
Explaining the events leading to the altercation, KWAM 1 said the matter arose from a water container he was carrying.
“I poured water in it because of my health situation. I need to be sipping water because I’m dehydrated, as recommended by my doctor,” he said.
More than one week after the incident, Keyamo said the NCAA will also restore the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba – who were on board the aircraft – after a one-month suspension.
The review of the ban followed the controversy over perceived selective justice, sparked by the detention of Comfort Emmanson, for “unruly” behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight.
While Emmanson was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, the handling of KWAM 1’s case drew criticism from the public.
However, following the withdrawal of the case against Emmanson, she was released from the centre after the charges were struck out by a Magistrates’ Court in Ikeja on Wednesday.
The minister also said the recent incidents had “helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space” and revealed that both passengers and airline staff had committed wrongs in the cases under review.
“These above decisions were taken by the government and the airline operators purely on compassionate grounds. Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved,” Keyamo stated.
Bandits have again struck a community in Benue State, killing three persons.
They attacked the Uikpam community of Mbabai Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of the state, 24 hours after three others were killed in Yelewata within the same LGA.
A community leader and a former candidate for the Guma I State Assembly seat in the 2023 general elections, Jimmin Geoffrey, confirmed this to Channels Television on Wednesday.
READ ALSO: Several Terrorists Killed In Failed Borno Ambush
Geoffrey said the discovery of the corpse of Iorhemba Ikpanju, an elderly man from the community, on Wednesday morning, has brought the casualty figures to three following the killing of Akeh Kelvin and Francis Nomsoor last night.
Sustained herdsmen attacks on Guma communities, which share borders with Nasarawa State, remain a major setback to the fight against insecurity.
“The discovery of the body of Baba Iorhemba Ikpanju at a nearby bush this morning brings the total casualty figures to three, following the death of Akeh Kelvin and Francis Nomsoor last night when herdsmen attacked the Uikpam community.
“We again call on concerned authorities to make haste by redeploying security operatives to Uikpam in order to at least repose some level of confidence in the already traumatised residents.”
The police authority in Benue State has remained silent on these killings, as every media inquiry is met with no response.
The Ibom Air Passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was arraigned and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, over her alleged unruly behaviour during a flight inbound Lagos from Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Sunday, has been released.
Emmanson was discharged by Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami on Wednesday after the five counts against her were struck out, following the withdrawal of the case against her.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed her release to Channels Television on Wednesday.
“Emmanson has gone home from the court. I can confirm that,” he said in a terse message.
Keyamo had, in a statement on Wednesday, said the move was necessitated by 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”.
READ ALSO: FG To Engage KWAM 1 As Airport Security Ambassador After Aircraft-Blocking Incident
Emmanson had been accused of assaulting a flight attendant and being confrontational with security agents at the Lagos airport on Sunday.
Following the incident, the Airline Operators of Nigeria imposed a no-fly ban for life on her.
The alleged assault led to her being arraigned before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on criminal charges and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos State on Monday.
He explained that she was remanded because she failed to provide adequate sureties in court.
While condemning her actions, the minister also criticised the circulation of the viral indecent video, which showed Emmanson’s top torn and her upper body exposed.
He said he had ordered action against the Ibom Air officials who leaked the footage.
But her arrest, arraignment, and remand sparked outrage among civil societies, the public, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which condemned Ibom Air and the AON for the unfair manner in which the incident was handled.
In a U-turn on Wednesday, Keymao said parties involved in the incidents had learnt their lessons.
He also said the incident had raised public awareness of airport security protocols regarding travelling.
Following deliberations, “including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors”, Keyamo said he had prevailed on Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against Emmanson.
“In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, August 10, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the complaint against her today. When the police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.
