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The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has handed Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, a six-month flight ban following an altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the sanction during a press conference on Thursday, stating that disciplinary measures were already in motion.
“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book,” Achimugu said.
“As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria.”
He stressed that aviation rules apply equally to all, regardless of status, noting that the regulations are global standards designed to safeguard lives.
“So, we will do everything we can to get to the root of it. Everybody who needs to be punished or sanctioned will receive justice,” he added.
Achimugu further disclosed that the NCAA had reached out to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to begin legal proceedings against the musician.
When asked if K1’s long-standing relationship with President Bola Tinubu could influence the matter, he dismissed the idea, saying both Tinubu and Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo were committed to upholding the law without favoritism.
In a related move, Minister Keyamo ordered that K1 be placed on a no-fly list until investigations are concluded.
“I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footage of the incident,” Keyamo wrote on his official X handle.
“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.”
The minister strongly criticised K1’s actions, describing them as a serious breach of airport security.
“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he 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. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point,” he stated.
“It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which is akin to a hostage situation.”
Keyamo also raised concerns over the suspension of the pilot and captain while the musician initially faced no such sanction.
“What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander,” he said.
“In the circumstance, I have also directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation, just like the captain and pilot.”
“All airlines, both domestic and international should immediately be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risk withdrawal of their operating licence.”
The case is still under investigation as authorities weigh possible legal action against the veteran performer.
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