The Federal Government reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji music star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced the decisions on Wednesday following consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, the resolutions were reached after reviewing the incidents, considering appeals from well-meaning individuals, and considering the remorse shown by KWAM 1.
The minister disclosed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority will reduce his ban to one month. FAAN also plans to engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
The one-month ban will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after mandatory professional reappraisal, he stated.
Keyamo declared that a retreat will be held next week to instruct aviation security officers on how to handle unruly passengers and de-escalate stressful situations. Airlines will also hold specific training to address worker behaviour towards passengers.
The minister stated that the clemencies were given solely on compassionate grounds, adding, “Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws is involved. We have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 caused a major disruption at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja when he attempted to board a ValueJet flight with a flask believed to contain alcohol, which is prohibited on domestic flights.
When staff ordered him to hand it over, he allegedly refused, poured its contents on crew and security officers, and then proceeded onto the runway, impeding the aircraft’s taxiing and delaying the flight’s safe operation.
The NCAA petitioned the police, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered an immediate inquiry to discover the entire extent of the occurrence in accordance with aviation safety laws.
