By Muhammad Mamman
Nigerian aviation authority demands criminal probe after musician allegedly disrupts flight operations, flouts safety rules
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police, urging a full criminal investigation and prosecution of celebrated Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal – popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate – following alleged unruly behaviour at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
According to the NCAA, the 68-year-old musician violated critical aviation safety procedures while attempting to board ValueJet flight VK201 to Lagos on Tuesday. Preliminary findings suggest KWAM 1 disrupted boarding protocols, in an incident now under formal review.
In a strongly-worded statement issued on Thursday by NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the agency confirmed that the artiste was allegedly involved in actions contravening the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 and standard operational procedures. His conduct, the NCAA added, has raised serious concerns regarding passenger discipline and the enforcement of in-flight safety protocols.
Alcohol, Altercation and Aircraft Delay
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) corroborated the NCAA’s position, stating that the musician brought an alcoholic beverage aboard the aircraft, in defiance of regulations prohibiting such items on domestic flights. A flight attendant who intervened was reportedly rebuffed, as KWAM 1 claimed the liquid was prescription medication.
The disagreement soon escalated into a full-blown confrontation, prompting his eventual removal from the flight. FAAN’s spokesperson, Obiageli Orah, said the artist’s actions delayed the flight and unsettled the cabin environment.
However, KWAM 1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, dismissed the accusations as exaggerated and misleading, insisting the singer neither endangered lives nor breached any aviation laws.
Placed on No-Fly List – Pending Investigation
Amid mounting public interest, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed on Thursday that KWAM 1 has been placed on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of investigations. He revealed that video evidence showed the singer obstructing the aircraft’s taxiing process and described the incident as “a temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides” – a situation, he warned, that could have ended tragically.
In a further move, NCAA’s Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, has issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urging them to enforce the no-fly restriction on KWAM 1 across all commercial airlines until the matter is fully resolved.
“This advisory aligns with international aviation standards, where passenger safety, crew welfare, and operational integrity are paramount,” the statement read.
No Exceptions – NCAA Reiterates Zero Tolerance
The NCAA stressed its unwavering commitment to upholding safety standards across Nigeria’s aviation industry, vowing that no individual – regardless of celebrity or social standing – will be allowed to compromise flight safety.
“All passengers are subject to the same code of conduct and safety compliance. The integrity of Nigeria’s airspace must be preserved at all costs,” the statement concluded.
