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By Tracy Moses
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed that renowned Fuji music star, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as Kwam 1, be placed on a no-fly list following a confrontation with ValueJet personnel on the tarmac of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025.
The announcement was made via Keyamo’s official X handle on Thursday. In the post, the minister revealed that he had ordered Kwam 1’s inclusion on the aviation no-fly list, pending a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which also involves the aircraft’s captain and pilot.
“In light of the unfolding events, I have directed that Kwam 1 be placed on a No-Fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation, just like the captain and pilot involved in the altercation. All airlines, local and international, are hereby notified. Any airline that ignores this directive risks having its operating license withdrawn,” the statement read.
This move signals a firm stance by the aviation ministry toward curbing unruly behavior in critical airport areas and underscores the seriousness of aviation security protocols.
According to reports, the incident triggered widespread reactions as the musician was said to have clashed with airline staff, causing disruption and posing potential safety threats.
“I have been briefed by relevant aviation bodies and have received video evidence of the altercation between Kwam 1 and ValueJet’s staff and crew. From preliminary findings, it appears there was a complete breakdown of decorum and control from both sides, which could have had dangerous consequences,” Keyamo stated.
He debunked narratives being circulated by the singer’s associates, saying, “Contrary to the claims made by Kwam 1’s representatives, he repeatedly changed positions on the tarmac to deliberately obstruct the aircraft from taxiing towards the runway. This conduct is entirely out of line and unacceptable. Whether he was holding a water bottle or alcohol is not the issue, the core problem is the physical obstruction of an aircraft, which is tantamount to a hostage scenario. Attached here is the video footage confirming this defiant behavior.”
Keyamo also criticized the aircraft crew’s actions, insisting they failed to adhere to international safety standards.
“No matter the provocation, it is unacceptable for a pilot or captain to proceed with taxiing while an individual is still in front of the aircraft without confirmation that security personnel have resolved the situation.”
He added that both the airline crew and the musician disregarded vital safety measures as stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“The conduct of both parties clearly violated standard ICAO safety protocols,” he emphasized.
Responding to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) decision to temporarily suspend the licenses of the ValueJet captain and pilot, Keyamo welcomed the step but demanded equal accountability.
“I appreciate the NCAA’s swift response in suspending the flight crew involved, but I question why sanctions have been imposed on only one side. Justice must be impartial. If the captain and pilot are being penalized, the same must apply to Kwam 1. I’ve always stood for fairness, and I won’t allow this incident to be swept under the carpet.”