Abuja, Nigeria
Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has announced that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will appoint Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Keyamo explained that the initiative aims to involve celebrities in promoting proper behaviour and compliance with airport regulations nationwide.
“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 statement reads.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1, earlier lodged with the police.”
Keyamo also announced that NCAA has reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to one month.
The minister further revealed that the NCAA will withdraw the criminal complaints previously filed with the police against the artist.
This decision follows an apology from KWAM 1, in which he clarified that the flask he was seen holding contained medically prescribed water, not alcohol, as initially alleged by airport officials.
The incident, which occurred on August 5, led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at the airport’s domestic terminal — a situation later linked to KWAM 1’s disorderly conduct aboard the flight.
In response, the NCAA had placed the musician on a no-fly list, pending a thorough investigation, and submitted petitions to both the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to probe the matter involving the airline and the artiste.
The minister, in his latest statement, said he has instructed aviation bodies to hold a retreat aimed at retraining security staff on handling unruly travellers and defusing tense situations before they escalate.
Keyamo explained that the decisions were made on compassionate grounds but emphasised that the government will not “pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated opinions, or distorted legal interpretations when there is a clear violation of the law.”
He stressed that the government places a high priority on safety and security within the aviation sector and made it clear that, following these acts of leniency, a firm line has now been drawn.
