The Federal Government has barred popular Fuji musician, Kwam 1 from flying after a dramatic confrontation with airline staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the decision on his X ( formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, stating that the musician’s actions posed a serious safety risk.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Kwam 1, whose real name is Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, allegedly blocked a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing to the runway. Video footage reviewed by authorities showed the musician repeatedly positioning himself in front of the plane, preventing it from moving. Keyamo described the behaviour as “totally unacceptable” and akin to a “hostage situation.”
In response, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) temporarily suspended the pilot and captain involved for proceeding with taxiing despite the obstruction. However, Keyamo criticised the NCAA for not taking immediate action against Kwam 1, insisting that justice must be applied equally. “What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander,” he said.
The minister has now directed the NCAA to place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list pending further investigation. Airlines, both domestic and international, have been instructed to comply, with warnings that failure to do so could result in licence revocation.
The minister noted that blocking an aircraft on the tarmac is a severe breach of safety protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines. Such actions can disrupt flight operations and even lead to accidents if not properly managed.
While Kwam 1’s representatives initially claimed he was merely carrying water and was mistreated by airline staff, the focus has shifted to his alleged obstruction. Keyamo emphasised that regardless of any provocation, the pilot should have ensured the tarmac was completely clear before moving the plane.
The incident has sparked debate over passenger conduct and airline safety measures in Nigeria. Some have questioned whether the no-fly sanction is too harsh, while others argue that strict enforcement is necessary to prevent future violations.
ValueJet has yet to issue an official statement, but sources within the airline say they are cooperating fully with the investigation. Meanwhile, Kwam 1’s team has not responded to the latest developments.
The NCAA is expected to conduct a full inquiry into the altercation, after which further decisions regarding the pilot’s licence and Kwam 1’s flying status will be made. For now, the musician remains grounded, marking one of the most high-profile no-fly list placements in recent Nigerian aviation history.
Read full statement:
THE INCIDENT INVOLVING VALUEJET AND KWAM 1:
I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footages of the incident.
From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.
Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached.
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 PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).
I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. I commend them for their proactive action. However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the goose must also to the gander. That is one of the tenets of Justice I have preached all my life. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.
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 risk withdrawal of their operating licence.
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