FG names Fuji star KWAM 1 airport security ambassador, reduces ban

The Nigerian government has appointed legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

The announcement came alongside a decision to reduce the flight ban earlier placed on the singer to one month.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed the development in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.

According to Keyamo, the decision followed KWAM 1’s public expression of remorse over his conduct during a recent incident involving a ValueJet flight. The minister explained that the new role would see the Fuji icon championing awareness campaigns on adherence to airport rules and regulations, aimed at promoting safer air travel in Nigeria.

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“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) will also withdraw the criminal complaints earlier lodged against the singer with the police.

According to the minister, the move is part of broader resolutions to settle recent high-profile passenger misconduct cases purely on compassionate grounds, while stressing that the government takes aviation safety and security very seriously.

“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 wrote.

Recall that on August 5, Fuji star 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 asked him to hand it over.

KWAM 1 refused, insisting it was medication prescribed by his doctor.

Upset, he moved to the front of the aircraft to try to stop it from taking off. Video footage later showed him standing in front of the plane while ground staff spoke with him. At one point, he was seen dodging the aircraft’s wing as it prepared for takeoff, an action that violated aviation safety rules.

Following the incident, he was banned from boarding both domestic and international flights from any Nigerian airport for six months.