NCAA Blacklists KWAM 1 from Flying in Nigeria for Six Months over Airport Misconduct
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has blacklisted popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, from flying within Nigeria for six months following a disruptive incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The decision was announced after KWAM 1 was involved in a confrontation with airport security officials while attempting to board a ValueJet flight on Tuesday, August 6.
According to airport sources, the music icon allegedly attempted to carry a flask containing liquid suspected to be alcohol onto the aircraft.
When security personnel asked him to surrender the item, he reportedly refused and emptied the contents on one of the officials.
The incident escalated further when KWAM 1 was denied boarding by the pilot. In a dramatic turn, he allegedly stood in front of the aircraft in an apparent attempt to prevent it from departing.
The NCAA, describing the act as a breach of aviation safety and decorum, imposed a six-month no-fly sanction on the singer.
The Authority also announced the suspension of the two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident, citing a violation of safety protocol for choosing to proceed with boarding despite the confrontation.
“The incident at the Abuja airport was unacceptable and endangered the safety of other passengers,” an NCAA official stated. “We are taking further steps by involving the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to pursue appropriate legal action.”
Meanwhile, KWAM 1 has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement issued through his media team, the veteran musician said the flask contained only water provided at the airport lounge and not alcohol. He claimed that after the misunderstanding, some officials apologized to him and offered a private jet, which he declined.
KWAM 1 also described reports about the incident as exaggerated and misleading, urging the public not to draw conclusions based on “incomplete” information.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other aviation stakeholders have yet to issue further comments on the matter. However, the incident has sparked widespread debate online about celebrity conduct and enforcement of aviation regulations.
