The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has written to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the investigation and possible prosecution of Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) for alleged breach of standard air safety protocol.
NCAA also issued an advisory to members of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to immediately place the musician who is popularly known as Kwam 1 and K1 De Ultimate, on a ‘no-fly list,’’ pending the outcome of official investigations.’’
A person put on no-fly ban cannot travel by air during the period.
The no-flight ban was directed by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, who likened the musician’s attempt to prevent the take-off of an aircraft to a “hostage situation.’’
Marshal was seen on video, which went viral on Wednesday, blocking an aircraft belonging to ValueJet for not allowing him to board at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA), Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and raised concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety guidelines.
The pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, of the ValueJet aircraft. were also not spared by the aviation regulator. Their licences were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
NCAA, in a statement yesterday by its Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Director, Michael Achimugu, said: ‘’We have officially petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident involving musician, King Wasiu Omagbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewale Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate and domestic airline ValueJet.
‘’According to preliminary reports, during a scheduled ValueJet flight VK201, K1 De Ultimate was allegedly involved in actions that violate Nigerian civil aviation regulations.
‘’While full details of the incident are still being compiled, the NCAA has emphasised the importance of upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring accountability, regardless of the parties involved.
‘’In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, we called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
‘’Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urging the immediate consideration and institution of a ‘no-fly list for K1 De Ultimate(on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.
‘’This advisory is in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and airline operations.
‘’We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry, as passengers are held to the same standards of behaviour and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.
‘’Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.’’
Achimugu on the sidelines of the 29th Annual seminar of the League of Airports and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), in Lagos, said that Marshal defied instructions from security personnel after being asked to relinquish a liquid container exceeding the permissible 100ml limit for carry-on items.
The director said: “This individual was told the item exceeded the allowed limit, yet he refused to comply and insisted on boarding with it.
“He claimed to have a medical condition that required regular rehydration. But could he not have been served water on board? These are basic rules, and the question we must ask ourselves is: would he have behaved this way at Heathrow Airport (in London) or any other international hub?’’
Achimugu stressed that aviation regulations are not designed to antagonise but to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew.
He said: “These are global rules. They apply equally to everyone. If the President of Nigeria himself complies with airport security procedures, no citizen is above the law.
“Laws exist because people will break them, and that’s why enforcement institutions are in place. We’ve launched massive public education campaigns, and we will continue to do so. But where there’s a breach, there must be consequences.”
Asked if the pilot acted with due diligence, especially given the number of ground staff and the musician near the aircraft, Achimugu replied:
“Everyone involved in this incident, passenger or crew, will be held accountable.
The NCAA also used the opportunity to reiterate its stance on law enforcement and public awareness.
Reacting to claims that the passenger boasted of being close to the presidency and therefore above sanctions, Achimugu firmly debunked the notion.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, are both men who respect the law and subject themselves to security checks like every other citizen. The idea that anyone is above the law in this country is false and dangerous.”
In a post on his X-handle @fkeyamo, Keyamo said the video of the incident in his custody showed Marshal and the pilots exhibited “unacceptable behaviour.”
‘’It was a temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides,’’ he said, adding that the argument over whether or not the musician was carrying water or alcohol was irrelevant.
“Contrary to what his agents said, Kwam-1 constantly moved his position on the tarmac to block the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. What he did was a physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing. That is a reprehensible conduct ; it is an unacceptable behaviour.’’
The minister also criticised the actions of the aircraft’s crew, saying that no amount of provocation should make the captain and co-pilot begin to taxi without ensuring that security personnel on the ground and the unruly passenger had moved away.
“Both sides breached standard safety protocol as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”
Keyamo commended the NCAA for their proactive action, saying he directed that Marshal should be placed on a no-flight list since the licences of the pilots had been suspended.
“I directed the NCAA to place Kwam 1 on a no—fly list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and co-pilot.”
The NCAA is the regulator of the aviation industry.
The Nation
