The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as Kwam 1, on a no-fly list.
This decision follows a highly publicised altercation on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, involving the musician and the crew of ValueJet.
The minister’s directive comes after a temporary suspension of the pilot’s and co-pilot’s licenses. Keyamo described the incident as a “temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides” that could have resulted in fatalities.
In a statement, Keyamo highlighted what he called unacceptable behavior from both sides. He revealed a video footage that shows that Kwam 1 “constantly moved his position on the tarmac to actually block the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off.”
The minister stressed that the specific contents of the musician’s flask—whether water or alcohol—were not the main issue, but rather the “physical blockage of the aircraft,” which he likened to a “hostage situation.”
Keyamo also criticized the ValueJet pilot and captain for their decision to begin taxiing without ensuring the tarmac was clear of the unruly passenger. He stated that no amount of provocation justifies a pilot beginning departure procedures when a person is obstructing the aircraft.
“On the other hand, 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 that is standing in front of an aircraft.
“Both sides breached standard safety as required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).”
The minister’s intervention aims to ensure what he refers to as a balanced application of justice. While commending the NCAA for its prompt action in suspending the licenses of the cockpit crew, he questioned the decision to only penalize one side of the dispute.
Citing the principle that “what applies to the goose must also to the gander,” Keyamo instructed the NCAA to also place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list pending a full investigation.
The directive mandates that all domestic and international airlines be immediately informed of the ban. The minister warned that any airline that disregards this order risks the withdrawal of its operating license.
This action ensures that the musician, like the pilots, will face consequences pending the outcome of the full inquiry into the serious breach of aviation safety protocols.
