By Abiola Olawale
Renowned human rights lawyer and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has criticized the Federal Government of Nigeria for pardoning Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, following alleged misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Falana argued that the decision undermines the government’s moral authority to prosecute unruly air passengers, setting a dangerous precedent for equal application of the law.
The legal luminary also highlighted what he described as the government’s selective handling of similar cases, pointing to the recent withdrawal of charges against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of unruly behavior on an Ibom Air flight.
He argued that such inconsistencies risk accusations of discriminatory treatment, as citizens are entitled to “equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law.”
He said: “By this action, the Federal Government has lost its moral right to arrest and prosecute any passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports.
“Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the government will henceforth be accused of discriminatory treatment whenever it prosecutes other passengers for similar conduct.”
Recall that on August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 was involved in a controversial incident at the Abuja airport, allegedly obstructing a ValueJet aircraft (Flight VK201) by standing in front of it and spilling a liquid—later identified as alcohol—on aviation personnel during a security check.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) initially responded, announcing a six-month flight ban for the musician and petitioning the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to prosecute him for violating aviation regulations.
However, the Federal government through the ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the government decision to accept KWAM 1’s apology and consider appointing him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
