BREAKING: Tinubu Govt Reduces KWAM 1’s Flight Ban, Names Him Airport Security Ambassador

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government has reduced the flight ban on Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, from six months to one month, following the controversy over his conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, explaining that the decision was part of wider resolutions on recent incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.

Keyamo said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had agreed to the reduction and would also work with the musician to promote awareness of acceptable conduct in the aviation space.

According to the minister, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will lead the engagement process with KWAM 1, appointing him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol.

“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,” the statement read.

The NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaint against the singer, which had earlier been lodged with the police.

Keyamo noted that the clemency was granted after appeals from well-meaning Nigerians and KWAM 1’s public display of penitence over the August 5 incident, in which he was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft’s movement.

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The development comes days after the artiste apologised to the public, maintaining that the flask he carried during the incident contained water for medical reasons, not alcohol as alleged by security personnel.

On August 5, KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airline staff and security officials at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos.

He was accused of carrying a prohibited flask believed to contain alcohol, spilling its contents on personnel, and later walking onto the aircraft’s tarmac, allegedly blocking the plane from taxiing.

The NCAA described his conduct as a breach of aviation safety regulations, placing him on a six-month no-fly list and filing a criminal complaint with the police.

While emphasising that the decision was made on compassionate grounds, Keyamo warned that safety and security laws in the aviation sector remain non-negotiable.

“Government will never pander to base sentiments… We take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he said.

The minister added that the incident had prompted plans to retrain aviation personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations, while airlines will also review staff conduct towards travellers.