Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo Directs NCAA To Place KWAM 1 On ‘No-Fly List’

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Agency to place Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, on a temporary no-fly list.

Keyamo said the decision was taken pending the outcome of a full investigation into a disruptive incident involving the musician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

KanyiDaily recalls there was an altercation involving Kwam 1 and officials of ValueJet airline, where he was accused of breaching aviation safety protocols at Abuja Airport.

The situation escalated when Kwam 1 reportedly attempted to board a domestic flight with an unidentified liquid, which turned out to be alcohol, something prohibited on board Nigerian flights.

Security officials said the liquid was spilled on one of them during the encounter and was later confirmed to be alcohol.

Kwam 1 has denied the allegations, insisting the contents of the flask were simply water given to him at the airport lounge.

The musician claimed the reports have been exaggerated and do not reflect what truly happened.

In a post shared on his X page, the minster said reports and video footage from various aviation agencies revealed troubling behavior during a confrontation between KWAM 1 and ValueJet staff.

He described the scene as a “temporary loss of control” by both the musician and the airline crew, which could have had dangerous consequences.

Keyamo said that, based on the evidence so far, the artist repeatedly changed positions on the airport tarmac in a way that deliberately blocked the aircraft from taxiing to the runway.

He described this act as “totally unacceptable” and likened it to a hostage situation, emphasizing that whether the liquid KWAM 1 carried was alcohol or water was irrelevant compared to the safety risks posed by physically obstructing an aircraft.

He also criticized the ValueJet pilot and captain for attempting to move the aircraft without confirming that the tarmac was clear of the disruptive passenger, calling it a serious safety violation.

Keyamo wrote, ‘THE INCIDENT INVOLVING VALUEJET AND KWAM 1:

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 5, 2025. I have also received video footages of the incident.

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.

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. 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.

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.

Both sides breached standard SAFETY PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).

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.

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.

Watch the video below:

THE INCIDENT INVOLVING VALUEJET AND KWAM 1:

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 5, 2025. I have also… pic.twitter.com/STma3UfKo8

— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) August 7, 2025

KanyiDaily recalls that on August 5, the NCAA suspended two ValueJet pilots for failing to follow proper departure clearance procedures, putting ground staff and airport users at risk