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The Federal Government has revealed its intention to appoint Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, commonly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols following the recent issues surrounding his behavior at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
This announcement was made on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement that addressed recent incidents of unruly behavior at Nigerian airports.
Keyamo indicated that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has decided to shorten KWAM 1's flight ban to one month and will collaborate with the artist to enhance awareness about acceptable behavior within the aviation industry.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will spearhead this engagement initiative.
“The NCAA will reduce his flight ban to a month. FAAN will also collaborate with the music star to involve him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols moving forward,” said the minister.
He also mentioned that since KWAM 1 has shown public remorse, the NCAA would retract its criminal complaint against him that had previously been filed with the police.
This decision came after appeals from considerate individuals and KWAM 1's publicly expressed regret regarding the incident on August 5, when he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft's movement.
Keyamo additionally stated that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artist.
This development follows days after KWAM 1 issued an apology, claiming that the flask he had on the day of the incident contained water for medical purposes, not alcohol as was suggested by security personnel.
The minister noted that this leniency was granted on “compassionate grounds” while underscoring that the government remains dedicated to upholding safety and security regulations within the aviation sector.
On August 5, KWAM 1 experienced a confrontation with airline staff and security personnel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while trying to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.
He was accused of bringing a restricted flask believed to contain alcohol, which allegedly spilled on personnel, and for subsequently walking onto the aircraft tarmac, purportedly blocking the plane from taxiing.
The NCAA labeled his actions as a violation of aviation safety standards and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while also filing a criminal complaint with the authorities.
