THE Federal Government has announced plans to appoint Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocols following his recent altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The move comes after KWAM 1 was seen in viral footage on August 5, 2025, standing in front of a taxiing ValueJet aircraft and allegedly assaulting an airport official.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had initially imposed an indefinite flight ban on the musician and filed a criminal complaint against him.
In a statement today, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo said the sanctions had been reviewed after appeals from concerned individuals and the singer’s public apology.
The NCAA has now reduced the ban to one month, withdrawn its criminal complaint, and will work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to engage KWAM 1 in promoting proper passenger conduct at airports.
The singer had issued an apology last Friday, admitting fault and asking for forgiveness from the President, the aviation minister, the pilot, airline staff, passengers, and his fans.
He explained that the confrontation arose over a water container he was carrying due to a health condition requiring him to stay hydrated.
The minister also announced that the one-month suspension placed on ValueJet pilots Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba — who were in command of the aircraft during the incident — would be lifted after the ban period.
The review comes amid public debate over the handling of KWAM 1’s case compared to that of Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight who was remanded in prison for “unruly” behaviour.
Keyamo has today also ordered the withdrawal of Emmanson’s case, citing remorse and appeals from stakeholders.
Keyamo stressed that both incidents had highlighted the need for better passenger behaviour and improved staff response in tense situations.
He directed aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers, while airlines will organise sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.