FAAN Condemns Safety Breach as NCAA Suspends Pilots Over Abuja Airport Incident
*Kwam 1 in Airport Row
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has strongly condemned the conduct of legendary Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as Kwam 1), following a recent disruption at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which involved a violation of safety protocols and a confrontation with airport personnel and airline staff, has also led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The controversy unfolded during boarding for ValueJet flight VK201 from Abuja to Lagos. According to FAAN’s account, Kwam 1 attempted to bring an unidentified liquid onto the aircraft in a flask, later confirmed to be alcohol. Aviation security officials (AVSEC) instructed him to surrender the liquid in accordance with national and international aviation safety regulations, including Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and provisions under ICAO Annex 17, which prohibit unverified liquids in aircraft cabins.
However, the musician reportedly refused to comply. Witnesses claim he not only insisted on carrying the flask but also spilled its contents on one of the AVSEC officers when challenged. Efforts by the ValueJet flight captain to intervene failed, and the musician allegedly proceeded to block the aisle, refusing to be seated.
FAAN confirmed that Kwam 1 was eventually escorted away by AVSEC’s Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit. He was released after preliminary interrogation.
In a public statement, FAAN described the incident as “unacceptable” and “a clear violation of aviation safety rules,” warning that passenger behavior, no matter the individual’s status, must not compromise airport security.
“No passenger, regardless of status or celebrity, is above aviation safety regulations,” FAAN declared. “We are committed to upholding international safety standards and protecting all airport users.”
The Authority stated that further investigations were ongoing and that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
In a parallel move, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the indefinite suspension of the two ValueJet pilots involved in the flight — Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba. The regulatory body said the pilots initiated taxiing procedures without clearance from the appropriate control authorities, constituting a breach of standard safety practices.
Describing their actions as “reckless,” NCAA said the pilots endangered the lives of passengers, crew, and ground personnel, and violated the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs). The aircraft was reportedly already moving when the altercation with Kwam 1 escalated, further compounding safety concerns.
Though no official sanction has yet been issued, NCAA insiders have hinted that Kwam 1 may face additional penalties, including being blacklisted or placed on a “no-fly list”. This could restrict his access to commercial flights in Nigeria pending further disciplinary review.
Sources also say the musician could be summoned to respond to a formal complaint under provisions relating to the obstruction of flight operations and violation of onboard conduct rules.
Footage of the incident, now circulating online, has sparked widespread criticism. In one clip, the musician is seen dangerously close to the aircraft’s wing while the plane was preparing to depart — a serious safety hazard. Nigerians on social media have expressed outrage at the perceived impunity, with many calling for equal enforcement of aviation laws regardless of status or influence.
The incident also raises questions about lapses in security screening, particularly how the flask containing alcohol evaded initial detection at the airport checkpoint.
FAAN and NCAA have both reiterated their commitment to strict enforcement of aviation laws and passenger conduct regulations. ValueJet has pledged full cooperation with ongoing investigations and is expected to submit an internal report on the role of its crew.
As the aviation sector in Nigeria continues to grapple with rising passenger traffic and high-profile breaches, the Abuja airport incident serves as a stark reminder that aviation safety rules are not optional — and violations, no matter how seemingly minor, can have serious consequences.
