Tinubu rewards KWAM1 with airport security ambassador post days after aircraft-blocking incident

Our reporter/ President Bola Tinubu’s government on Wednesday appointed Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as KWAM 1, as an ambassador for airport security protocol barely a week after he attempted to block a moving aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Aviation regulator the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), had imposed an indefinite flight ban and filed a criminal complaint against him.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo announced a review of the sanctions, citing appeals from well-meaning individuals and the singer’s public show of remorse.

“In the case of KWAM 1, 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,” the minister said.

The incident, which occurred on 5 August 2025, involved a ValueJet Airlines aircraft preparing to taxi. The singer was seen in viral footage standing in front of the plane and was said to have allegedly assaulted an airport official. The act drew widespread condemnation, with calls for his arrest and prosecution.

He was placed on an indefinite flight ban, and a petition was written against him.
But the singer, last Friday, released an apology, admitted his fault, and pleaded for forgiveness.

“I take full responsibility for all incidents. Once again, I seek forgiveness from Mr President, the Minister for Aviation, the pilot, the airline staff, passengers, and my fans across the globe,” the Fuji star said.

Explaining the events leading to the altercation, the Fuji singer said the matter arose from a water container he was carrying.

“I poured water in it because of my health situation. I need to be sipping water because I’m dehydrated, as recommended by my doctor,” he said.

More than one week after the incident, Keyamo said the NCAA will also restore the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba – who were on board the aircraft –  after a one-month suspension.