By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| KWAM 1 and Bola Tinubu |
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of losing its moral authority to prosecute unruly air passengers after granting Fuji musician KWAM 1 a controversial pardon.
KWAM 1, a known ally of the president, recently breached airport security and held a passenger aircraft hostage, sparking national outrage.
In a strongly worded statement, Falana condemned the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for appointing KWAM 1 as an ambassador after the incident. He revealed that the government hastily accepted the musician’s apology without allowing the police to complete their investigation or file charges.
“Without allowing the police to conclude their probe, the federal government has pardoned him and even plans to make him an ambassador for airport security,” Falana stated. “This undermines Nigeria’s legal system and sets a dangerous precedent.”
The senior advocate argued that the government’s leniency toward KWAM 1 weakens its ability to prosecute future offenders. He cited the case of Comfort Emmanson, an unruly passenger whose charges were dropped, suggesting selective justice.
“By pardoning KWAM 1 without trial, the government can no longer claim moral high ground when punishing others for similar offenses,” Falana declared. “This sends a message that influential figures enjoy immunity while ordinary citizens face the law.”
However, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo justified the move, comparing KWAM 1’s ambassadorship to “community service” for repentant offenders.
“This is a global practice using reformed individuals to advocate against misconduct,” Keyamo said. “The role is unpaid and voluntary, not a prestigious appointment.”
The controversy has ignited debates on social media, with many Nigerians accusing the Tinubu administration of preferential treatment. Critics argue that the incident exposes deep-seated inequality in Nigeria’s justice system.
As tensions rise, Falana’s warning looms large “If the government continues this way, it will face accusations of discrimination every time it tries to enforce airport regulations.”