ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo has reduced the flight ban imposed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, from six months to one month and has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to withdraw its criminal complaint against him.
In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo said the decision followed KWAM 1’s public display of remorse over his role in a 5 August safety breach involving a ValueJet flight at Lagos airport.
He added that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) would engage the musician as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
“In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period,” the statement read.
“FAAN will also work with the music star… 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 incident led to the suspension of ValueJet captain Oluranti Ogoyi and first officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences will also be restored after a one-month ban and a mandatory professional re-appraisal.
Keyamo further directed aviation agencies to hold a retreat next week on handling unruly passengers and de-escalating conflicts.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the government’s leniency in this case was on compassionate grounds, but warned that aviation safety and security laws would continue to be enforced strictly.
