Aviation Law is Clear: KWAM1’s Actions Demand Prosecution
Nigerians have watched with disbelief as Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) allegedly violated multiple aviation safety regulations, defying security screening, confronting aviation staff, and obstructing aircraft movement. The NCAA has banned him from flying and petitioned the Attorney-General and Inspector-General of Police for prosecution. Aviation experts worldwide agree: safety rules are non-negotiable.
International Safety Standards Are Not Suggestions
Excerpt: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) classifies unruly passengers as a safety and security threat.
Quote: “The spike in unruly passenger incidents is not just a comfort issue; it’s a safety and security risk requiring urgent, coordinated action.” — ICAO Council
Point: KWAM1’s conduct falls squarely into this category and should meet the same consequences ICAO urges for all states.
IATA: No Excuse for Ignoring Crew Instructions
Excerpt: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recorded 1 unruly incident per 568 flights in 2022 — a worrying rise.
Quote: “There is no excuse for not following the instructions of the crew.” — Conrad Clifford, Deputy Director General, IATA
Point: KWAM1’s refusal to comply directly undermines crew authority, a global red line in aviation safety.
FAA Zero Tolerance Shows the Way
Excerpt: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration fines passengers up to $37,000 per violation for similar offenses.
Quote: “Dangerous passengers put everyone at risk… We have zero tolerance for it.” — Mike Whitaker, FAA Administrator
Point: Nigeria must apply similar zero-tolerance to deter future violations; celebrity status is no shield.
Europe’s #NotOnMyFlight Campaign Leaves No Loopholes
Excerpt: The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and IATA’s joint campaign makes clear: unruly passengers can cause diversions, delays, and danger.
Quote: “Unruly passengers are a small minority, but their actions have a disproportionate impact on others.” — EASA Campaign Statement
Point: This incident disrupted normal airport operations — exactly the behavior global campaigns aim to stamp out.
UK Civil Aviation Authority: Aggression Is Unacceptable
Excerpt: The UK CAA warns that aggression towards staff or refusal to follow instructions can endanger aircraft safety.
Quote: “Completely unacceptable… and can pose a risk to aircraft safety.” — Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer, UK CAA
Point: KWAM1’s reported aggression fits this description; the punishment must match the risk.
Nigerian Expert: Apply the Law Without Fear or Favour
Excerpt: Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, CEO of Eden & McWhit Aviation Security Services, has long urged Nigeria to align with global aviation safety standards.
Quote: “We must make our airports safer and secure in line with global requirements.” — Dr. G. Fraser, MFR
Point: The clearest way to demonstrate this alignment is to prosecute high-profile offenders exactly as the law prescribes.
Conclusion
Under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2022 (Sections 83, 84, 85) and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 (Part 17), KWAM1’s alleged actions: obstruction, interference with crew, and refusal to comply with safety instructions, are criminal offenses punishable by fines and imprisonment.
Justice must be public, firm, and impartial: prosecute, fine, and, if convicted, sentence appropriately. Anything less erodes public trust and endangers the safety of all air travellers.
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