The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a six-month flight ban on legendary Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate, over an alleged breach of aviation security protocols at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This development was confirmed by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, during a press briefing held on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book,” Achimugu stated. “As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria.”
He added that aviation safety regulations are global and binding on all, regardless of social status or public standing, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail.
In addition to the no-fly sanction and ban, Achimugu disclosed that the NCAA is formally writing to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to initiate legal action against K1 De Ultimate.
When asked whether Ayinde’s personal connection with President Bola Tinubu might influence the proceedings, Achimugu maintained that both the President and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, have demonstrated unwavering support for the rule of law.
Minister Festus Keyamo has also issued a directive for K1 to be placed on a no-fly list pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Keyamo confirmed that video evidence and reports from aviation agencies showed misconduct from both the artist and airline crew, stating that the confrontation could have resulted in serious consequences.
“From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides, which could have led to serious fatalities,” Keyamo said.
He went further to describe the incident as akin to a “hostage situation,” noting that the musician’s repeated movements on the tarmac allegedly blocked the aircraft from taxiing, a violation he labeled as “totally unacceptable.”
Contrary to reports suggesting the conflict arose over a liquid substance, Keyamo stated, “The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here.”
He also criticized the initial decision to only sanction the pilot and captain, insisting that all parties involved must be held equally accountable. “In the circumstance, I have directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation. All airlines, both domestic and international, should be informed of this directive,” he warned.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had earlier confirmed that an investigation was underway following K1’s alleged refusal to comply with safety screening procedures. The incident reportedly occurred during boarding for a ValueJet flight (VK 201) to Lagos on Monday, August 5, 2025.
According to FAAN, the musician attempted to bring an unidentified liquid in a flask onboard, in violation of the 100ml limit prescribed by international aviation safety rules. The situation escalated after he allegedly spilled the contents, later confirmed to be alcohol, on a security official.
K1, however, has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement released by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, the artist insisted the flask contained plain drinking water handed to him at the airport lounge. He further claimed that he made efforts to clarify the situation before it was unnecessarily escalated.
The statement dismissed allegations of aircraft obstruction or security threat, stressing that K1 maintained his composure throughout the ordeal. It also noted that senior airport officials later reached out to apologize, even offering to arrange a private jet to convey him to Lagos at no charge.
“We urge the media and public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth, not assumptions, to guide their judgment. K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure the matter is responsibly resolved,” the statement read.
Further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
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