The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has slammed a six-month flight ban on Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over his alleged unruly behavior at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The sanction follows an incident that occurred on Monday, August 5, 2025, during boarding procedures for ValueJet flight VK 201 bound for Lagos.
According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the musician attempted to board the flight while carrying a flask of liquid suspected to be alcohol, in violation of airport safety protocols.
In a statement released by FAAN, the music legend was accused of not only refusing to surrender the container at the security checkpoint but also allegedly pouring its contents on a security officer during a confrontation.
The incident, which disrupted normal boarding operations, prompted a swift investigation by both FAAN and the NCAA.
In a related action, the NCAA also suspended the two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident for allegedly breaching safety protocol by initiating takeoff procedures without final clearance from aviation authorities.
Speaking on the outcome of the probe, a senior NCAA official disclosed that the Authority had blacklisted the artiste from using any Nigerian airport or boarding commercial flights in the country for six months.
“The behavior exhibited by Mr. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal constitutes a serious breach of aviation security regulations and gross misconduct. Such acts, no matter the personality involved, will not be condoned,” the official said.
In addition to the flight ban, the NCAA has reportedly written to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to initiate possible legal proceedings against the music star for alleged assault and violation of airport rules.
However, in a swift response, KWAM 1, through his spokesperson, Kunle Rasheed, denied the allegations. He insisted that the flask contained plain drinking water, not alcohol, and that the account given by FAAN was exaggerated and misleading.
“There was no unruly behavior. The bottle was given to him from the VIP lounge. He neither resisted airport officials nor disrupted flight procedures. The report is clearly an attempt to malign his reputation,” Rasheed said in a statement.
The controversy has generated mixed reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for equal application of the law, regardless of status or influence.
As investigations continue and the legal process possibly unfolds, this case could serve as a litmus test for the Nigerian aviation sector’s commitment to enforcing safety regulations across board.
