The Federal Government of Nigeria has appointed Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an Aviation Security Ambassador following a highly controversial airport incident.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced the development in a media statement, revealing a slice of clemency: the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has reduced KWAM 1’s flight ban from six months to just one month, and withdrawn criminal complaints previously filed against him.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been tasked with overseeing the ambassadorial role, which aims to raise public awareness around acceptable conduct at airports and promote adherence to security protocols.
It was highlighted that the decisions were made on “compassionate grounds,” noting KWAM 1 had publicly expressed remorse over the incident during which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement, spilled the contents of a flask (claimed to be water for medical reasons), and refused to comply with security personnel at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5.
Critics argue the ambassadorial appointment sends the wrong message rewarding rather than penalizing misconduct raising serious concerns about public trust and adherence to aviation safety standards.
Meanwhile, KWAM 1 maintains that his flask contained water prescribed for medical reasons, not alcohol, and has publicly apologized to aviation authorities and Nigerians for the disruption caused.
