Kwam 1 Placed on No-Fly List for Obstructing Aircraft, Says Aviation Minister
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered that Fuji legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, be placed on a no-fly list over his role in disrupting a ValueJet flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The directive, announced via Keyamo’s official X handle on Thursday, August 7, 2025, followed an incident two days earlier where the musician reportedly obstructed a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing to the runway, sparking safety concerns.
Citing reports and video evidence submitted by aviation authorities, the minister accused Kwam 1 of repeatedly standing in front of the aircraft after a disagreement with airline staff. He described the act as a serious breach of international aviation safety standards.
“In the circumstance, I have also directed the NCAA to place Kwam 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation,” Keyamo wrote. “All airlines, both domestic and international, should immediately be informed of this directive.”
Keyamo also warned that any airline that violates the order risks having its operating licence withdrawn. He criticised what he called selective enforcement of regulations, insisting that both the artiste and the flight crew must face consequences for the safety breach.
Before the directive, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended the pilot and flight captain involved for proceeding to taxi while the tarmac was not cleared, but the minister said this measure was not enough.
The incident, which occurred during boarding for Flight VK 201 to Lagos, began when Kwam 1 allegedly attempted to carry an undeclared flask containing alcohol onboard. Despite warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel, he reportedly refused to comply and later poured the contents on a security official, escalating the confrontation.
The musician was eventually removed from the tarmac by AVSEC operatives and released after preliminary questioning, as investigations into the matter continue.
