The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
It has also reduced his flight ban to one month.
This was announced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in a statement posted on X on Wednesday.
Keyamo explained that the decision followed KWAM 1’s expression of remorse over his actions during an incident involving ValueJet.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
He added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would also withdraw the criminal complaints earlier lodged against the singer with the police.
The minister described the move as part of broader resolutions to address recent high-profile passenger misconduct cases on compassionate grounds, while stressing that the government prioritises aviation safety and security.
“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved,” he said.
On August 5, KWAM 1 was reportedly drinking from a flask while aboard a ValueJet aircraft at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja. A flight attendant suspected the flask contained alcohol and requested that he hand it over.
The singer refused, claiming it contained medication prescribed by his doctor. He then moved to the front of the aircraft in an attempt to stop it from taking off.
Video footage showed him standing in front of the plane while ground staff engaged him, and at one point, he was seen dodging the aircraft’s wing as it prepared for takeoff—an act that violated aviation safety regulations.
Following the incident, KWAM 1 was initially banned from boarding both domestic and international flights from any Nigerian airport for six months.
