The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has condemned the actions of popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM 1, during a recent altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, describing his conduct as “unacceptable” and “akin to a hostage situation.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, Keyamo said he had personally reviewed official reports and video footage from aviation agencies detailing the August 5, 2025 incident, which showed the veteran artiste allegedly obstructing a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing on the runway.
“Contrary to what the agents of KWAM 1 have claimed, he repeatedly moved around the tarmac in a manner that actually blocked the aircraft from proceeding to its take-off position,” the minister stated. “This is totally unacceptable behaviour.
It constitutes a physical obstruction of an aircraft conduct that is reprehensible and comparable to a hostage scenario.”
The minister also criticised the pilot and captain of the ValueJet aircraft for proceeding to taxi without confirming the complete removal of the obstruction.
He said such action violated international aviation safety protocols as outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“No amount of provocation should justify a pilot beginning to taxi without ensuring the tarmac is clear and that security personnel have safely removed an unruly passenger,” Keyamo said.
While commending the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for promptly suspending the pilot’s licence pending further investigation, Keyamo expressed concern that only one side of the incident had been addressed.
He directed the NCAA to immediately place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list across all domestic and international carriers operating in Nigeria.
“What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander,” he said. “All airlines must be informed of this directive without delay. Any operator who flouts this instruction risks withdrawal of their licence.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate online and within the aviation community, with many calling for stricter enforcement of airport security regulations to prevent future disruptions.