The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided justification for its decision to bar renowned Fuji artist Wasiu Ayinde, also known as Kwam 1, from air travel within Nigeria for a period of six months, pointing to significant violations of aviation safety regulations and disruptive behavior at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as the basis for the sanction.
NCAA Calls for Probe and No-Fly Ban on Fuji Legend Kwam 1 Over Air Safety Violation
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally petitioned both the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, urging them to initiate a thorough investigation and possibly prosecute Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate, for allegedly violating key air safety protocols.
Kwam 1 placed on immediate No-fly list
As part of its response to the incident, the NCAA has also issued a directive to members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to immediately place the veteran musician on a temporary “no-fly list”, barring him from air travel pending the outcome of official investigations.
This measure, which effectively grounds any individual listed, was reportedly approved by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), who equated the incident involving the musician to a “hostage-like situation” that endangered air safety and disrupted operations.
The controversy erupted after a viral video surfaced online on Wednesday, capturing Kwam 1 on the tarmac at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja. In the footage, the musician was seen obstructing a ValueJet aircraft from taking off, reportedly after being denied boarding. The altercation occurred on Tuesday and allegedly disrupted routine procedures and breached civil aviation regulations.
Kwam 1 licenses suspended
As a consequence of the incident, the aircraft’s pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and First Officer Ivan Oloba had their licenses temporarily suspended by the NCAA, pending the outcome of an official inquiry. This decision underscores the regulatory agency’s commitment to enforcing safety standards across the board.
In a statement released by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the authority confirmed that it had formally requested federal law enforcement agencies to open a full criminal probe into the situation.
“Based on initial reports, King Wasiu Omogbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewale Ayinde Marshal, widely known as K1 De Ultimate, is accused of engaging in conduct that directly contravenes the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) during a scheduled ValueJet flight VK201,” the statement read.
Achimugu explained that although the full details of the incident are still being reviewed, early findings indicate serious infractions that demand accountability. He emphasized that the integrity and safety of Nigeria’s aviation system must be upheld, regardless of an individual’s fame or public standing.
Possible penalties for Kwam 1’s offenses
In the official communication addressed to both the AGF and IGP, the NCAA called for the application of criminal and regulatory penalties under the 2023 Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, as well as any other applicable federal laws.
In response to growing public concern, Captain Chris Najomo, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, issued an advisory to all domestic airline operators, urging them to enforce a no-fly restriction on Kwam 1 pending the conclusion of the investigation. This action, the NCAA noted, aligns with international aviation standards that prioritize the protection of passengers, crew members, and overall flight operations.
“We want to reaffirm that aviation safety is non-negotiable. No individual, no matter their status or popularity, is above the law when it comes to compliance with safety rules in Nigerian airspace,” Achimugu stated.
Narration on Kwam 1’s offenses
He also offered additional insight into the incident while speaking on the sidelines of the 29th Annual Seminar of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) held in Lagos. Achimugu claimed that the altercation began when Kwam 1 was asked by airport security to surrender a liquid container exceeding the allowable 100ml carry-on limit.
Instead of complying, the artist allegedly insisted on boarding the flight with the item, justifying his refusal by citing a medical condition that required frequent hydration. Achimugu, however, questioned the validity of such a justification, pointing out that passengers are generally offered water on board and that similar excuses would likely be rejected at international airports like London’s Heathrow.
“These are internationally accepted safety standards,” Achimugu remarked. “Even the President of Nigeria goes through security checks like every other citizen. No one is exempt from these rules, and when they’re broken, enforcement must follow.”
When asked about the responsibility of the flight crew, Achimugu responded that all parties involved—passengers and crew alike—would be held accountable for any misconduct. He emphasized that aviation safety regulations are universal and should be respected regardless of the circumstances.
He also addressed claims that the musician had bragged about connections to high-ranking political figures, suggesting he was immune to consequences. Achimugu dismissed this notion as dangerous and unfounded.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Festus Keyamo are both known for respecting the rule of law. They subject themselves to the same protocols as everyone else. The idea that anyone is above the law is not only incorrect—it’s a threat to public order,” he said.
Comments on Kwam 1’s Actions
Minister Keyamo, in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @fkeyamo, weighed in on the controversy. He stated that video evidence in his possession showed both the musician and the aircraft crew acting inappropriately. He described their actions as a “temporary loss of control and judgement” on both sides.
Keyamo emphasized that the core issue wasn’t whether the item in question was water or alcohol, but the fact that Kwam 1 physically obstructed the aircraft from taxiing by repeatedly positioning himself in front of it—an act he described as “reprehensible” and “unacceptable.”
The minister also criticized the ValueJet flight crew, arguing that regardless of the passenger’s behavior, the pilot and co-pilot should not have attempted to taxi while individuals were still on the tarmac, as this action also breached standard safety protocols outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Keyamo praised the NCAA for taking decisive action and confirmed that he had personally directed the agency to place the musician on the no-fly list, matching the suspension already handed down to the pilots.
“I instructed the NCAA to apply the same standard to Kwam 1 as it did to the flight crew. Until investigations are concluded, he is not permitted to board any commercial flight within Nigeria,” the minister stated.
https://shorturl.fm/KEjDi