The Airline Operators of Nigeria have backed the decision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, after he directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to place renowned Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, on a no-fly list.
The minister also warned that any airline that fails to comply with the no-fly directive risks having its operating licence withdrawn.
This came as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has officially petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident involving the musician and domestic airline ValueJet.
The incident, which occurred on August 5, 2025, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and raised concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety protocols.
Commenting on the development on Tuesday, Keyamo said in a post on X, “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.”
The AON supported Keyamo’s position, as it described the issue as a major threat to flight safety. AON warned that it is no longer business as usual, as all member airlines are prepared to take decisive action to protect their crew and passengers, and aircraft.
AON spokesperson, Obiora Okonkwo, said, “This should serve as a warning to everyone who is thinking of doing such a thing or those who thought they had done it in the past and got away with it, and have any thought again or intention to do that. It is no longer business as usual. All the airline operators are out to battle this menace. The AON has a strong plan to blacklist unruly passengers, and that is what is obtained in other parts of the world.”
Okonkwo warned that the situation now posed serious threats to flight safety. “It’s threatening the safety of our flight operations, it’s threatening the safety of our workers, and also the safety of our air movement. We’ve had cases of unruly passengers destroying the movement, seen hitting the body of the aircraft.”
According to him, the process of blacklisting will begin with the affected airline, after which others will follow suit in solidarity.
“If at the end of the day, ValueJet will upload his (KWAM 1) name to our AON platform for blacklisting, United Nigeria will comply. And also, all members of AON will comply. So it’s a process that starts from the airline that is a victim of the unruly attitude.”
In a statement on Thursday, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority officially petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident involving the musician
The NCAA emphasised the importance of upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring accountability, regardless of the parties involved. In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 and all other applicable laws.
The Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, urging the immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate on any commercial flight, pending the outcome of official investigations.
“Further updates will be provided as investigations progress,” said Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection. The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The NCAA’s swift action underscores the importance of maintaining safety and security protocols in the aviation sector, and the potential consequences for individuals who compromise these standards.
Meanwhile, the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Igbafe Afegbai, explained that the passenger had passed through the initial security checks without issue but later purchased alcohol at the airport lounge and allegedly attempted to board the aircraft with it.
Afegbai also denied ever calling or apologising to the music star for whatever reason. “I don’t know him, so how could I have called him? When he got to the first entrance, he was asked what he was carrying. He said water, and they asked him to drink it. He did and passed. But at the lounge, he bought alcohol and poured it into his flask.”
According to Afegbai, the issue escalated at the foot of the aircraft, where airline security questioned the contents of the flask. When asked to drink from it, the passenger refused, claiming it was a “doctor’s recommended drink.” However, security officers reportedly perceived the smell of alcohol.
“While he was arguing with them, the pilot came out to intervene. But instead of cooperating, the passenger opened the flask and spilled it on the pilot and nearby security personnel. That enraged the pilot, who returned to the cockpit and ordered the aircraft door shut.”
Experts tackle FAAN
A retired pilot with the defunct Nigeria Airways, Mohammed Badamosi, questioned the efficiency of aviation security under FAAN. Badamasi described K1’s action as a crime in accordance with Annex 17 of the ICAO rules,
Another industry expert, John Ojikutu, condemned FAAN security, describing the action as pure negligence in dissonance with aviation rules. He complained of aviation handlers politicising professional aviation matters, stressing that K1’s conduct was a crime that should be punished.
“Everybody is trying to cover up. How did he pass through AVSEC? He is not a VIP registered with FAAN; all those who allowed him to pass through the gate with a liquid should also be suspended. Is K1’s name among the VIP’s list who should be at the lounge? Why should they politicise everything? The laws have gone bad now. They should all be sanctioned.”
While reacting to the development earlier on Wednesday, K1’s media aide, Kunel Rasheed, said, “If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos – at no cost. Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.”
