The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced the flight ban on renowned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, KWAM 1, to a one-month period.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the musician will be appointed as an ambassador to promote proper airport security procedures.
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The move comes in the wake of recent controversy surrounding his actions at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to Keyamo, the NCAA will collaborate with KWAM 1 to raise awareness on appropriate behaviour in aviation environments.
The statement noted that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will spearhead the ambassadorial engagement, adding: “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.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police.”
Keyamo explained that the decision was influenced by appeals from concerned Nigerians and KWAM 1’s public display of remorse following the August 5 incident in which he was accused of obstructing the movement of a ValueJet aircraft.
The minister further confirmed that the NCAA would drop its criminal case against the singer. This development follows KWAM 1’s public apology, during which he clarified that the flask he carried on the day in question contained water for medical purposes, contrary to claims by security officials that it held alcohol.
Keyamo stressed that the leniency was based on “compassionate grounds,” cautioning that the government remained resolute in enforcing all safety and security regulations in the aviation industry.
The August 5 altercation saw KWAM 1 engage in a dispute with airline personnel and security operatives while preparing to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.
He was accused of possessing a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on staff, and walking onto the tarmac to block the aircraft from taxiing.
The NCAA described the incident as a violation of aviation safety standards, initially imposing a six-month no-fly ban and filing a police complaint before the recent decision to ease the sanctions.
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