The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the blacklisting of Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) following a heated altercation with ValueJet officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Keyamo described KWAM1’s actions as “akin to a hostage situation,” noting that the musician will be barred from flying both domestically and internationally for six months. The minister warned that any airline, local or foreign, that disregards the directive risks having its operating license withdrawn.
Minister’s Statement on the Incident
“I have received reports from all the relevant aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and KWAM1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. I have also reviewed video footage of the incident,” Keyamo said.
The Minister revealed that the confrontation was a result of a “temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides”, which could have led to serious fatalities.
Contrary to claims from KWAM1’s representatives, Keyamo said evidence shows that the musician “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,” he stressed. “Whether he was carrying water or alcohol is irrelevant. The issue here is the physical obstruction of the aircraft, which is akin to a hostage situation. The video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is attached.”
Safety Protocol Breaches
While condemning KWAM1’s actions, Keyamo also faulted the Captain and Pilot of the aircraft for beginning to taxi without first ensuring that security personnel had removed the unruly passenger from the aircraft’s path.
He noted that both sides violated standard safety protocols mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had earlier suspended the licences of the Captain and Pilot pending the outcome of a full investigation. Keyamo praised the swift action but questioned the fairness of only sanctioning one party.
“What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass,” he said.
Directive to NCAA and Airlines
Following his review of the case, Keyamo ordered the NCAA to place KWAM1 on a no-fly list pending a full investigation, mirroring the action taken against the flight crew.
He directed that:
- All domestic and international airlines should be immediately informed of the ban.
- Any airline that violates the directive will face operating license withdrawal.
