The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained its decision to blacklist popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, from flying in Nigeria for six months, citing serious safety breaches and unruly conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the ban was imposed following the artist’s altercation with airport officials and the crew of ValueJet on Tuesday, August 7, 2025.
“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book,” Achimugu said. “As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months from flying in Nigeria. Aviation rules are made for everybody, for the protection of everybody.”
He also confirmed that the agency is writing to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to initiate legal proceedings against Ayinde.
Clarifying further, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said in a statement that both Kwam 1 and the pilot acted in violation of international safety protocols.
“From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities,” he said.
Keyamo faulted the musician for physically obstructing the aircraft’s movement on the tarmac. “Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 have said, he constantly moved his position on the tarmac to block the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is unacceptable behaviour… akin to a hostage situation,” he stated.
He also criticised the pilot for initiating taxi procedures while the unruly passenger was still standing in front of the aircraft.
“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.”
While acknowledging the NCAA’s earlier suspension of the pilot, Keyamo directed that Kwam 1 be similarly penalised to uphold the principle of equal justice.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Earlier reports had stated that the incident was triggered by suspicions that the singer was carrying alcohol onboard, but the minister stressed that the central issue was the act of obstruction, not the contents of the flask.
Kwam 1 has denied the allegations, claiming the substance in question was only plain drinking water.
