The Federal Government has reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, from six months to one month, following consultations with key aviation stakeholders.
KWAM 1 was initially blacklisted from flying within Nigeria for six months after an alleged incident at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The music legend was accused of insisting on taking an alcoholic drink aboard a ValueJet flight despite warnings from airline officials, and of attempting to physically prevent the aircraft from taking off. Reports claimed he was almost hit by the plane when the pilot proceeded to taxi in preparation for departure.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) subsequently petitioned the Inspector General of Police for an investigation.
In a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, confirmed the ban reduction and outlined further actions. According to him, the NCAA will reduce the penalty to one month.
The musician would be engaged by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA will withdraw its criminal complaint against KWAM 1,” Keyamo stated.
The one-month suspension will also apply to ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licenses will be reinstated after a mandatory professional reappraisal.
Keyamo also revealed plans for a retreat next week aimed at retraining aviation security personnel on managing unruly passengers and resolving tense situations. He noted that airlines would likewise organise dedicated sessions to address staff conduct towards travellers.
He emphasised that the leniency shown was based solely on compassionate grounds.
“I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.
“The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.
“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.
“We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.”
