The Federal Government has appointed Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, while reducing his flight ban from six months to one month.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
Keyamo explained that the resolution followed KWAM 1’s expression of remorse over his conduct during an incident aboard a ValueJet flight earlier this month.
“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,” the minister said.
He added that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would also withdraw criminal complaints previously lodged with the police, noting that the move was made on “compassionate grounds.”
“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,” Keyamo stated.
The appointment comes after KWAM 1 was banned on August 5 for allegedly obstructing a ValueJet aircraft from taking off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to reports, the singer had refused to hand over a flask to a flight attendant who suspected it contained alcohol. He insisted it was prescribed medication, but later moved to the front of the aircraft to stop its departure. Video footage showed him near the aircraft on the tarmac, dodging its wing — an act aviation authorities said breached safety regulations.
With the new decision, KWAM 1 will resume air travel after serving a one-month suspension, while also working with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to promote safety compliance among air passengers.
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