KWAM 1
Barely 24 hours after the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun ordered the airport police commandant to investigate Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has given a different signal.
The minister announced plans to engage KWAM 1 as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol, after the recent controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Keyamo disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement outlining resolutions to recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports, stressing that NCAA would withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1.
Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had agreed to reduce KWAM 1’s flight ban to one month and would work with the musician to promote awareness on acceptable conduct within the aviation space, adding that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will lead the engagement process.
”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.
”Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police,” the statement read.
The minister said the decision followed appeals from well-meaning individuals, as well as KWAM 1’s public show of penitence over the August 5 incident in which he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.
Recall that KWAM 1 had apologised to the public, insisting the flask he carried on the day of the incident contained water for medical reasons and not alcohol, as was alleged by security personnel.
The minister emphasised that the clemency was granted on “compassionate grounds” , warning that the government remained committed to enforcing safety and security laws in the aviation sector.
