The Federal Government has reduced the indefinite no-fly ban placed on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, to one month, and directed that the licences of the ValueJet pilot and co-pilot involved in his case be restored after serving a similar one-month suspension.
Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo announced the decision in a statement on Wednesday, saying it followed consultations with stakeholders in the aviation sector. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will also subject the pilots — Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba — to a mandatory professional reappraisal before resuming duties.
Kwam 1 was sanctioned after attempting to stop a ValueJet aircraft from moving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5. The incident drew public outrage and led to NCAA’s petition to the Inspector General of Police for criminal investigation. The singer has since apologised.
Keyamo said the criminal complaints against Kwam 1 have been withdrawn, adding that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will engage him as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
In a related development, the minister also ordered the withdrawal of legal action against Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, who was earlier placed on a lifetime no-fly ban after an altercation with cabin crew. Following appeals from concerned individuals and expressions of remorse, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) agreed to lift her ban.
Keyamo further directed aviation and complementary agencies to commence a retreat next week to retrain security personnel on managing disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations.
