Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has accused the Federal Government of losing its moral right to prosecute unruly passengers after pardoning Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as KWAM 1, for alleged misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The office of the Inspector-General of Police had begun investigating claims that KWAM 1 poured the contents of a flask on a pilot, a security officer, and some passengers at the airport. Before the investigation was completed or charges filed, the Federal Government accepted his apology and announced plans to name him as an ambassador for airport security protocol.
“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 linked the move to the recent withdrawal of charges against Comfort Emmanson, accused of unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight, warning that such selective handling could be seen as discrimination.
“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 said.
Falana argued that pardoning KWAM 1 without trial undermines equal application of the law and weakens public trust in the justice system.
