FG orders Kwam 1 placed on no-fly list after clash with ValueJet

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as Kwam 1, on a six-month no-fly list following an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed the decision on Thursday during the 29th annual conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos.

He confirmed that the musician would face sanctions for alleged unruly conduct, and that legal proceedings were being initiated in collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, when Kwam 1 attempted to board a ValueJet flight (VK 201) to Lagos. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the artist refused to comply with aviation security protocols by insisting on carrying an unidentified liquid onboard, which later turned out to be alcohol.

Despite repeated warnings from airport security and the flight captain, Kwam 1 reportedly spilled the liquid on an airline security officer and refused to disembark after being denied boarding.

He was eventually escorted away by airport security personnel for further investigation.

Reacting to the incident, NCAA Director General Capt. Chris Nadomo ordered immediate disciplinary action, including the suspension of the flight crew involved pending the outcome of investigations.

Achimugu stressed that aviation regulations exist to protect all passengers and crew:

“The rules are not made to antagonize anyone. Kwam 1’s behavior was a clear violation, and he will be blacklisted for six months. Everyone involved will be held accountable.”

Confirming the move, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo described the incident as a serious breach of security and protocol.

“Kwam 1’s actions—particularly blocking the aircraft’s taxi route—amounted to a hostage-like situation. That kind of behavior is totally unacceptable,” Keyamo said.

“No Nigerian is above the law. The captain and pilot have also been suspended, and Kwam 1 will remain on a no-fly list pending a full investigation. All domestic and international airlines have been informed.”

Keyamo added that further violations of this directive by airlines could lead to withdrawal of operating licenses.