Following his recent unruly behaviour at the Lagos airport and pardon, the Federal Government has announced its intention to engage Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
This was disclosed by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
Keyamo announced that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) would reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will lead the process of working with the musician to promote awareness about acceptable conduct within the aviation space.
”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement said.
The minister explained that the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
Keyamo also revealed that the NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against the artiste.
The development comes days after the musician apologized to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.
The minister emphasized that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.
On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.
He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority described the act as a breach of aviation safety regulations and initially placed him on a six-month no-fly list while filing a criminal complaint with the police.
Leave a comment