Probe aviation safety breach involving KWAM 1, NANS urges FG

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to investigate the aviation incident involving popular Fuji musician and Olori Omo Oba of Ijebuland, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

 

NANS also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the management of Value Jet Airline for its alleged complicity in undermining aviation safety protocols in the country, with a view to applying appropriate sanctions against the airline operator.

 

KWAM 1 was reported by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to have attempted to board a Value Jet flight from Abuja to Lagos with a flask containing liquid later discovered to be alcohol.

 

In a statement dated August 6 and signed by Mrs Abigail Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, FAAN stated that the musician was politely asked by Aviation Security Personnel and the flight captain not to board the aircraft with the item. However, he reportedly refused.

 

KWAM 1 was alleged to have poured the liquid on both an aviation security officer and the flight captain after they insisted that he could not board with the flask, citing the Aviation Security Programme.

 

The statement further revealed that the musician stood in front of the aircraft to prevent it from taking off after being denied boarding. He reportedly refused to leave until he was escorted away from the tarmac by the AVSEC Crime Unit.

 

Reacting to the incident, NANS, in a statement signed by its National Vice President for Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola, on Thursday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, condemned the musician for breaching aviation security protocol at the Abuja airport.

 

Akinbodunse expressed dismay over what she described as the “uncouth and uncivilised” conduct of the renowned Fuji singer and called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.

 

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She said it was appalling to witness KWAM 1—who is expected to be a moral compass, icon, and role model for Nigerian youth—behave in a manner unbefitting of his global status.

 

NANS added that as Olori Omo Oba of Ijebuland, the musician ought to have conducted himself with decorum, dignity, and grace, befitting a holder of such an honourable traditional title. It emphasised that his actions at the airport were inappropriate and should be condemned in totality.

 

The student body, however, commended FAAN for its prompt action, stressing that any breach of aviation safety protocols must be viewed as a threat to national security.

 

While reiterating its call for a full investigation, NANS criticised the owner of Value Jet Airlines for suspending officials who followed established safety procedures and prevented KWAM 1 from causing a potential aviation crisis.

 

“NANS views the behaviour of popular Fuji musician KWAM 1 on the tarmac of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport—as reported by FAAN—as deeply troubling. Like all other sectors, aviation operates under strict protocols and laws. It is quite appalling and unfortunate that a well-known public figure would act in such an irresponsible manner.

 

“KWAM 1 is a globally respected entertainment icon and celebrity. As such, he is expected to be a moral compass and role model to Nigerian youths. However, his defiance and disregard for aviation security protocols have portrayed him in a negative light.

 

“As the umbrella body for all Nigerian students, NANS calls on civil society organisations to rise and condemn the attitude of the musician. Though a celebrity and a close ally of the ruling party, he should not be treated as a sacred cow. This incident should be thoroughly investigated and appropriate sanctions applied.

 

“We also urge the Federal Government not to sweep the matter under the carpet but to act decisively and allow the rule of law to take its full course.

 

“Furthermore, NANS condemns the suspension of the aviation personnel by the owner of Value Jet Airlines. These officials should be applauded—not punished—for upholding aviation safety standards, even when dealing with a prominent figure.

 

“As a vanguard of the rule of law, NANS will be closely monitoring how authorities handle this matter. We will resist any attempt to treat this serious incident with levity simply because of the personality involved.”

 

The statement concluded.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE