Fuji musician K1 De Ultimate has been appointed ambassador for aviation security protocols by the Federal Government following his recent altercation with airport officials in Abuja.
Minister of aviation and aerospace development Festus Keyamo announced on Wednesday, adding that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had also reduced the six-month flight ban earlier imposed on the singer to one month.
The appointment comes after K1 De Ultimate’s clash with aviation security at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5 while attempting to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos. He was accused of carrying a flask believed to contain alcohol, ignoring repeated warnings, spilling the contents on a security officer and walking onto the tarmac to block an aircraft.
The incident led to a no-fly ban, the filing of criminal charges and the suspension of two ValueJet pilots for failing to follow safety protocol.
K1 De Ultimate tendered a public apology on August 8, explaining that the flask contained water prescribed by his doctor for dehydration.
“I take full responsibility for all incidents… I seek forgiveness from Mr President, the Minister for Aviation, the pilot, the airline, airline staff, passengers, my fans across the globe, my family,” he said.
Announcing the new arrangement, Keyamo said the criminal charges against the musician would be dropped and the suspended pilots would have their licences restored after a one-month professional reappraisal.
“The decision is on compassionate grounds, but aviation security standards remain non-negotiable and will be strictly enforced,” he said.
FAAN will work with K1 De Ultimate on campaigns to educate travellers about appropriate behaviour at airports.
