In an unprecedented move, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered that renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or Kwam 1, be placed on a no-fly list following a dramatic altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 7, involved a heated confrontation between the music icon and crew members of ValueJet Airlines. According to Keyamo, reports and video footage from relevant aviation agencies indicate that both parties were involved in a serious breach of aviation safety protocol.
Keyamo, in a strongly worded statement, described the incident as a “temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides,” warning that it could have resulted in “serious fatalities.”
He particularly condemned Kwam 1’s actions, stating:
“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 have said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour… akin to a hostage situation.”
While addressing the singer’s conduct, the Minister also criticised the pilot’s decision to begin taxiing while Kwam 1 remained on the tarmac, calling it a reckless breach of safety.
“NO AMOUNT of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away.”
Keyamo acknowledged the temporary suspension of the pilot’s license by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) but decried the seeming one-sidedness of the action.
“What applies to the goose must also to the gander… I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.”
In response, the Minister has directed the NCAA to immediately place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list, pending the conclusion of a full investigation. He also instructed that all domestic and international airlines be informed of this directive, warning that any airline that violates the order risks the withdrawal of its operating license.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian aviation and entertainment sectors, with many expressing concern over rising cases of unruly passenger behaviour and lapses in airside security.