Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has condemned the Federal Government’s decision to pardon Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over alleged misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, warning that the move undermines the rule of law.
The Inspector-General of Police had launched an investigation into claims that the musician poured the contents of a flask on a pilot, a security officer, and several passengers at the airport. But before the probe was concluded or charges filed, the Federal Government accepted KWAM 1’s apology — and even announced plans to appoint him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
Falana described the decision as a “dangerous precedent” that strips the government of its moral authority to prosecute other passengers accused of similar offences.
“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,” Falana said.
He also pointed to the recent withdrawal of charges against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight, as further proof of selective justice.
“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,” he warned.
The rights lawyer stressed that absolving KWAM 1 without trial contradicts the principle of equal application of the law and risks eroding public trust in the justice system.
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