By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces accusations of double standards after swiftly pardoning Fuji music icon KWAM 1— a close presidential ally—for brazenly breaching airport security and hijacking a passenger flight just weeks ago. Human rights powerhouse Femi Falana warns this “slap-on-the-wrist” decision could cripple Nigeria’s ability to enforce air travel rules, turning airports into zones of impunity.
The drama unfolded penultimate Tuesday when KWAM 1, whose real name is Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, stormed a secured area and held an aircraft hostage, disrupting operations and endangering passengers. Instead of letting police wrap up their probe or press charges, federal officials accepted his apology on the spot and, in a stunning twist, tapped him as an ambassador for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to promote proper security protocols.
Falana didn’t mince words in his scathing Wednesday statement: “By hastily granting pardon without investigation or trial, the government has forfeited its moral authority to prosecute any unruly passenger.” He slammed the ambassadorship as adding insult to injury, arguing it sets a dangerous precedent. “Imagine the fallout,” Falana continued. “The federal government recently dropped charges against Comfort Emmanson, accused of similar misconduct on an Ibom Air flight, citing the refusal to charge KWAM 1. Now, every future case risks cries of discrimination—equal rights demand equal treatment.”
This isn’t just hypothetical, Falana emphasized: With citizens entitled to the same obligations and opportunities before the law, pardoning KWAM 1 without due process invites accusations of favoritism, potentially paralyzing airport enforcement nationwide.
Defending the controversial call, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo pushed back on Wednesday, framing the pardon and role as a savvy rehabilitation strategy. “Globally, repentant offenders often become advocates against their own misdeeds—think community service, not a plush gig,” Keyamo explained. “In Nigeria, ‘ambassador’ doesn’t mean perks or pay; it’s voluntary and unpaid. Precedents exist from past administrations, and this won’t be the last.
