By Seun Ogunleye,Lagos
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has faulted the Federal Government for granting pardon to Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, after his recent airport security infraction, saying the move undermines the rule of law and questions the government’s moral authority to prosecute other offenders.
Falana, in a statement issued on Thursday, argued that while ordinary passengers are being prosecuted for similar or lesser breaches of airport regulations, the government’s decision to absolve the musician sends a wrong signal about equality before the law.
“The pardon extended to KWAM 1 is not only discriminatory but also portrays the authorities as selective in enforcing aviation security laws. You cannot punish some passengers and turn around to excuse a celebrity for the same offence,” Falana said.
The Senior Advocate warned that such acts of preferential treatment could erode public confidence in regulatory agencies and encourage impunity among influential individuals. He urged the Federal Government and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to apply sanctions uniformly to safeguard aviation security.
The controversy stems from an incident at an airport where KWAM 1 allegedly breached security protocol, sparking outrage among industry stakeholders. The government later announced a pardon for the musician, citing “compassion and understanding,” a decision that has now drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and legal experts.
Falana insisted that the law must be applied equally, stressing that “there cannot be one set of rules for the powerful and another for ordinary Nigerians.”
