The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1), on a no-fly list pending the outcome of a full investigation into an altercation with ValueJet airline staff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The directive follows disturbing reports and video footage received from aviation agencies detailing an incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 7, 2025, involving Kwam 1 and ValueJet crew members on the airport tarmac.
According to Keyamo, the preliminary findings reveal that Kwam 1 physically obstructed the aircraft from taxiing by constantly repositioning himself in front of the plane, thereby preventing it from proceeding to the runway for take-off.
“This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour… akin to a hostage situation,” Keyamo stated. “The issue is not whether he was holding alcohol or water, but the act of physically blocking an aircraft from taxiing, which poses a severe safety risk.”
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Keyamo noted that both the passenger (Kwam 1) and the aircraft’s crew violated critical aviation safety protocols, referencing International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. While commending the NCAA for suspending the pilot and captain involved, he criticized the regulator for not taking parallel action against Kwam 1.
“What applies to the goose must apply to the gander. Justice must be served equally,” he added.
In response, the minister has now directed the NCAA to immediately place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list, and instructed that all domestic and international airlines be notified of the order. Any airline that fails to comply with this directive risks having its operating license withdrawn.
“I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass,” Keyamo warned.
The confrontation between Kwam 1 and ValueJet staff reportedly escalated on the tarmac during boarding procedures. While details of the altercation remain under investigation, footage and eyewitness accounts suggest that the situation posed serious risks to passenger safety and aircraft operation.
Aviation stakeholders have expressed concern over the rare nature of such an incident involving a high-profile passenger and emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety regulations, regardless of status or provocation.
