NCAA to reduce KWAM 1 ban to one month, withdraw criminal complaint

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reduce the ban on Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji artiste better known as KWAM 1, to one month.

In a statement on Wednesday, Keyamo also directed the NCAA to withdraw the criminal complaint lodged against KWAM 1.

On August 5, the NCAA suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach at the domestic terminal of the airport, which was later linked to the disorderly conduct of KWAM 1, who was onboard the flight.

Keyamo directed the authority to place the musician on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation.

The NCAA also petitioned the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and the inspector-general of police (IGP) to investigate the incident involving the airline and the Fuji musician.

The minister said KWAM 1, in collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), will work 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. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward,” the statement reads.

“Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the police.”

The minister said the licences of the Valujet captain Oluranti Ogoyi and the co-pilot, first officer Ivan Oloba, will be restored after a one-month ban.

Keyamo added that Ogoyi and Oloba will undergo a mandatory professional re-appraisal.

“In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA,” he said.

In addition, the minister directed aviation agencies to begin a retreat to properly retrain and prepare the aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers, and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations.

“The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions,” the statement said.

“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.”

Keyamo said the decisions were made on compassionate grounds, adding that the government will “never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved”.

The minister said the government takes safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously, and has decided to draw a line after the leniency.