The Federal Government has reduced the flight ban on Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, from six months to one month and appointed him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
The decision follows appeals from well-meaning individuals and the singer’s public show of remorse over an August 5 incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in which he was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would also withdraw its criminal complaint against the artiste. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will lead the engagement process to have KWAM 1 promote awareness on acceptable passenger conduct and compliance with airport security regulations.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, 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.
The minister noted that the clemency was granted on compassionate grounds, warning, however, that safety and security in the aviation sector remain non-negotiable.
The August 5 confrontation reportedly began when KWAM 1 attempted to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos carrying a prohibited flask allegedly containing alcohol. He was accused of spilling its contents on security personnel and later stepping onto the tarmac, blocking the plane from taxiing. The singer later apologised, insisting the flask contained water for medical reasons.
Keyamo also announced that the licences of ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and co-pilot First Officer Ivan Oloba — suspended over the same incident — will be restored after a one-month ban, subject to a professional reappraisal.
He revealed that aviation and allied agencies will hold a retreat next week to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, while airlines will review their staff’s conduct towards travellers.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” Keyamo stressed. “Government will never pander to base sentiments or politically motivated views when clear breaches of the law occur. But we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
