The Federal Government has eased sanctions against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over his recent altercation with ValueJet staff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced on Wednesday that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will reduce KWAM 1’s no-fly ban from six months to one month. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will also engage the music star as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
Keyamo said the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against the musician, citing his public show of remorse.
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will be restored after undergoing a mandatory professional reappraisal.
The minister revealed that both passengers and airline staff had shared blame in recent aviation disputes, and stressed the need for better conflict management. He directed aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, while airlines will hold sessions on staff conduct towards travellers.
“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,” Keyamo stated.
