Pius Nsabe
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has ordered that popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as Kwam 1, be placed on a temporary no-fly list following a heated altercation with ValueJet crew at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, recently.
The directive comes after Keyamo received reports and video evidence from relevant aviation authorities detailing the incident, which he described as a “temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides” that could have resulted in a major tragedy.
According to the minister, contrary to public statements issued by Kwam 1’s camp, the musician repeatedly positioned himself on the tarmac to obstruct the ValueJet aircraft from taxiing for takeoff—behaviour Keyamo deemed “totally unacceptable” and comparable to a hostage situation.
“The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here,” the minister stated.
Video footage of the altercation, reportedly showing Kwam 1 standing in the path of the aircraft, has been reviewed by officials and attached to the internal report submitted to the ministry.
Keyamo also faulted the response of the flight crew, stating that no amount of provocation should have led to the pilot attempting to taxi while a person was visibly on the runway. He said both parties clearly violated international safety protocols as outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had earlier suspended the ValueJet pilot and captain, pending a full investigation. While praising the swift disciplinary action, Keyamo criticised what he saw as one-sided justice.
“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,” he said.
In line with this, Keyamo has now directed the NCAA to immediately notify all domestic and international airlines of Kwam 1’s no-fly status pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Anyone who flouts this directive risks withdrawal of their operating licence,” he warned.
The incident has sparked intense discussion across aviation and entertainment circles, with many calling for better enforcement of airport safety protocols and improved passenger conduct on airport grounds.
As investigations continue, both the pilot and the musician remain suspended from air travel within and outside Nigeria.