Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) says with its decision to pardon Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over alleged misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the Federal Government has lost the moral authority to prosecute unruly air passengers.
According to Falana, the government is setting a dangerous precedent, stressing that, “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, who accused the Federal Government of compromising its integrity, cited the recent withdrawal of charges against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight, as evidence that the government’s selective handling of such cases risks accusations of discrimination.
The Senior Lawyer further said, “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 argued that pardoning KWAM 1 without trial contradicts the principle of equal application of the law and erodes public confidence in the justice system.
Recalled that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) office had opened an investigation into allegations that the popular musician poured the contents of a flask on a pilot, a security officer, and some passengers at the airport.
However, before the probe could be concluded and charges filed, the Federal Government accepted KWAM 1’s apology and announced plans to appoint him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
