The Federal Government has reduced the indefinite flight ban earlier slammed on Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) to one month and will now engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the decision on Wednesday after public appeals and the singer’s open show of remorse over the August 5 incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he blocked a ValueJet aircraft preparing to taxi and allegedly assaulted an airport official.
In viral footage, KWAM 1 was seen standing in front of the moving aircraft. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) swiftly imposed an indefinite flight ban and filed a criminal complaint against him, sparking public outrage. The singer later apologised, admitting fault and seeking forgiveness from President Bola Tinubu, the minister, airline staff, passengers, and his fans. He explained that the altercation stemmed from a water container he carried due to a medical condition requiring frequent hydration.
Keyamo said the NCAA will also restore the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba after a one-month suspension.
The review comes amid criticism of perceived selective justice following the detention of another passenger, Comfort Emmanson, over “unruly” conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10. While Emmanson was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, KWAM 1’s swift reprieve raised questions. Keyamo has now ordered the withdrawal of Ibom Air’s complaint against Emmanson after she expressed remorse.
“These decisions were taken purely on compassionate grounds,” the minister stressed, adding that both passengers and airline staff were at fault. He ordered all aviation agencies to begin a retreat next week to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, while airlines will also review staff conduct towards travellers.
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