The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has formally requested the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (aka Kwam 1) for allegedly obstructing a moving aircraft at Abuja airport.
NCAA spokesman Michael Achimugu confirmed the development, stating that Ayinde’s actions violated aviation safety regulations.
The authority has demanded a “comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.”
This follows the NCAA’s six-month travel ban imposed on the musician earlier this week, with a warning that airlines transporting him risk license revocation. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo strongly condemned the incident, describing the artist’s behavior as “unacceptable and reprehensible.”
The controversy stems from Tuesday’s incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where viral videos showed Ayinde blocking a ValueJet aircraft.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reported the altercation began when security prevented the musician from boarding with an alcohol-containing flask, which he allegedly spilled on staff during the confrontation.
While the NCAA already suspended two ValueJet pilots involved, Keyamo emphasized the need for balanced accountability: “Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he constantly moved his position on the tarmac to actually blocked the aircraft from taxiing… This is totally unacceptable behaviour.”
The minister has directed the NCAA to place Ayinde on a no-fly list indefinitely, warning that “anyone who flouts this directive risk the withdrawal of their operating license.”
The Fuji star, a prominent supporter of President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC, performed at the 2023 presidential inauguration. His cultural influence in southwest Nigeria adds political dimension to the ongoing aviation safety case.
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