The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) on a no-fly list following a serious safety breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to the minister, the directive includes notifying both domestic and international airlines, with a stern warning that any operator who violates the order risks losing their licence.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 7, involved KWAM 1 and two ValueJet pilots, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, whose licences have already been suspended by the NCAA as investigations begin.
Reacting via his official X handle @fkeyamo, the minister condemned the altercation, labeling the behavior of all parties involved as reckless and dangerous.
“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 footages of the incident,” he posted.
Keyamo described the entire incident as a “temporary loss of sanity and control” on both sides, warning that such lapses could have had deadly 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,” he stated.
He debunked claims by KWAM 1’s representatives, revealing that the singer repeatedly moved on the tarmac to block an aircraft from taxiing, which he described as an act resembling a “hostage situation.”
“Contrary to what the agents of KWAM 1 has said, he constantly moved his position on the tarmac to actually blocked 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. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached.”
Keyamo was also critical of the pilots’ response, insisting that they should not have attempted to taxi while an unruly individual remained dangerously close to the aircraft.
“On the other hand, no amount of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away that is standing in front of an aircraft.”
He pointed out that both parties violated International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) safety standards.
“Both sides breached standard safety protocol as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”
While commending the NCAA for suspending the pilots’ licences, the minister questioned why no immediate action was taken against KWAM 1.
“I have noted that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. I commend them for their proactive action.”
“However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the goose must also to the gander. That is one of the tenets of Justice I have preached all my life. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.”
As a result, he ordered the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending the outcome of the investigation and instructed all airlines to comply.
“In the circumstance, I have aso 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.”
