Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo has justified the six months ban placed on Fuji music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal known as KWAM 1, K1 De Ultimate, by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, over the face-off between him and ValueJet airline at the airport.
The face-off was captured in a trending video showing the musician blocking a ValueJet airplane from flying out from Abuja airport after he was stopped from boarding the plane following the discovery of a banned liquid content in his possession by the security personnel.
The video has generated negative reactions from Nigerians who blamed him for his arrogance and disobedience to safety rules.
Another aviation agency, Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, through its preliminary report had indicted the popular musician for carrying the content later found out to be alcohol and attempted to board the plane.
Reacting to the ban and the incident, Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo described the incident as ‘temporary loss of sanity and control.’
“I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footage of the incident.
From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.
Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has 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.
The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even an issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxing that is the reprehensible conduct here which is akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached,” he wrote.
He added: “On the other hand, 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 that is standing in front of an aircraft.
Both sides breached standard SAFETY PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).
I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. I commend them for their proactive action.
However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander. That is one of the tenets of Justice I have preached all my life. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.
IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE, I HAVE ALSO DIRECTED THE NCAA TO PLACE KWAM 1 on a NO-FLY list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot. ALL AIRLINES, both domestic and International should IMMEDIATELY be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risks withdrawal of their operating licence.”
