The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, will be placed on a six-month flight ban within Nigeria for his conduct at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
This decision follows a controversial incident that occurred on Monday, August 5, 2025, involving the artiste and airport officials during boarding procedures for a ValueJet flight to Lagos.
The situation, according to various sources, nearly resulted in a tragic accident when K1 was reportedly standing in close proximity to an aircraft wing as the pilot commenced taxiing. He narrowly avoided injury by quickly ducking.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, confirmed that disciplinary measures were being enforced against the musician.
“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. Aviation rules are made for everybody, for the protection of everybody. These rules are global. There is nothing about the rules that is to antagonise any passenger.”
Achimugu further revealed that the NCAA is in the process of contacting the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to initiate legal proceedings against Ayinde.
When questioned about whether the artiste’s alleged closeness to President Bola Tinubu might shield him from prosecution, Achimugu dismissed such assumptions. He affirmed that President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, are both committed to the rule of law and that no individual, regardless of status, is above legal accountability.
In an earlier development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, issued an official statement outlining the circumstances surrounding the incident.
FAAN alleged that K1 attempted to board the ValueJet flight VK 201 to Lagos while carrying an unverified liquid substance. Despite repeated warnings from aviation security personnel and the flight captain, he allegedly refused to comply with the regulations restricting liquids exceeding 100ml unless properly declared — typically for medical or essential reasons.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning ValueJet flight VK 201 to Lagos. During boarding, he attempted to carry an unidentified liquid, which was later identified as alcohol, despite being informed of aviation rules that prohibit carrying liquids exceeding 100ml unless declared and justified,” the statement read.
FAAN further claimed that after being cautioned, K1 allegedly poured the contents of the flask—presumed to be alcohol—on a security officer. Attempts by the flight captain to mediate were reportedly met with resistance.
As the aircraft was preparing to depart and the boarding doors were about to close, the musician allegedly positioned himself at the front of the aircraft, refusing to vacate the area. This prompted the Aviation Security (AVSEC) crime unit to intervene and escort him away for further questioning. He was later released.
In response to the allegations, Kunle Rasheed, the media aide to K1 De Ultimate, issued a strongly worded rebuttal titled “K1 De Ultimate and the ValueJet Episode: Setting the Record Straight.” Rasheed described the FAAN account as misleading and grossly exaggerated, insisting that the incident was unnecessarily sensationalised and misrepresented.
According to Rasheed, the liquid in question was not alcohol but plain drinking water given to the musician while he waited in the lounge. He explained that K1 respectfully attempted to clarify the situation but was treated unfairly and provocatively, which escalated tensions.
“At no point did K1 exhibit any behaviour that posed a threat to anyone or breached any safety protocol. He did not attempt to disrupt flight operations or obstruct the aircraft in any way,” the statement emphasized.
As public debate continues to swirl around the incident, aviation authorities remain resolute in their stance that industry regulations must be respected by all, regardless of fame or status. The NCAA has vowed to pursue the matter to its legal conclusion to reinforce discipline and ensure the safety and integrity of the nation’s air travel system.
