Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a six-month flight ban on popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as Kwam 1, following a heated altercation with ValueJet officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
During a press briefing on Thursday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that the musician’s conduct violated aviation safety protocols and disrupted airport operations.
“As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria. Aviation rules are made for everybody, for the protection of everybody,” Achimugu said.
The incident reportedly involved Kwam 1 obstructing the movement of an aircraft on the tarmac, prompting concerns over safety. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the situation as a “temporary loss of sanity and control” on both sides, warning that such behavior could have led to serious consequences.
Keyamo confirmed that the pilot involved has also been suspended for initiating taxi procedures while the musician was still on the tarmac. He emphasized that both parties acted in violation of international safety standards and must face equal accountability.
The NCAA has written to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to initiate legal proceedings against Ayinde. When asked whether the musician’s close ties to President Bola Tinubu or Minister Keyamo might shield him from prosecution, Achimugu stressed that the rule of law applies to all, regardless of status.
Kwam 1 has denied the allegations, claiming the substance in his flask—initially suspected to be alcohol—was simply water. However, officials maintain that the central issue was his physical obstruction of the aircraft, not the contents of the flask.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on celebrity conduct and aviation safety, with many calling for stricter enforcement of airport regulations.
