THE DRAMA BETWEEN KWAM 1 AND THE RECKLESS PILOT – A Case Of One Wrong Does NOT Justify Another Wrong 
 [By Ope Banwo, Founder of Naija Lives Matter & Mayor of Fadeyi]

Ordinarily, I would not even bother to comment on this drama between a celebrity musician and his ill-advised argument with the crew of a local airline. But at Naija lives matter, every life matters, even the life of a celebrity who conducted himself poorly in public. I believe there are larger issues affecting us as Nigerians on this otherwise hilarious drama that need to be addressed.

So, let’s call a spade a spade and not a long spoon: Kwam 1 was wrong to stand in front of the plane, but the pilot was even more wrong to move the plane while KWAM I was in front of it.

Yes, KWAM 1 was dead wrong to constitute himself into a criminal nuisance at the airport.

Yes, he violated aviation codes by trying to take prohibited drinks into the plane, arguing with crew, and even pouring drinks on officers. For that alone, I support his arrest and prosecution as an example to others who think celebrity status puts them above the law.

But… that is only HALF the story. A CASE OF 2 WRONGS DO NOT MAKE A RIGHT

What the pilot — a lady, in this case — did was even more dangerous and potentially criminal. She allegedly started taxiing the aircraft while KWAM 1 was still planted in front of the plane, arguing with the crew. That was not just reckless — it was life-threatening.

Aviation safety rules are very clear: no aircraft should move while anyone is within the danger zone in front of it — passenger, crew, or even an animal. That’s why airports have ground marshals and strict clearance protocols before a pilot can move an inch. By moving the plane instead of waiting for security to physically remove KWAM 1, she risked turning a nuisance situation into a fatality.

Some Nigerians are clapping for her because “KWAM 1 deserved it.” But death is not the penalty for being a nuisance. Endangering someone’s life, no matter how wrong they are, is unacceptable. If KWAM 1 hadn’t dodged, he could have been killed — and we would be dealing with an international aviation scandal.
Even the ground controller who allegedly cleared her to move needs to be sanctioned. Two wrongs don’t make a right — especially when one wrong could have led to a dead body on the tarmac.

If this were the USA, KWAM 1 would be prosecuted without question for his misconduct. But that pilot? She would almost certainly lose her license for gross recklessness. Let’s stop this hypocrisy of celebrating dangerous actions just because we dislike the person they were aimed at.

This is not about taking sides with KWAM 1. It’s about situating the issues properly. Recklessness with human life is never justified — not even when the person is guilty.