The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the blacklisting of popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM1, following a disruptive altercation with officials of ValueJet at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
In an official statement released by the minister, KWAM1’s conduct was described as equivalent to a hostage situation. Keyamo announced that the artist has been banned from all local and international flights for a period of six months. He further warned that any airline, domestic or international, that disregards this directive by permitting KWAM1 on board, risks having its operating license revoked.
According to Keyamo, the Ministry had received comprehensive reports from all relevant aviation agencies concerning the incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The reports were accompanied by video footage, which he said clearly captured the events in question.
“From all the details received so far, my preliminary impression is that both parties involved—the crew of ValueJet and Mr. Wasiu Ayinde—exhibited a momentary loss of control and sanity, which could have led to a tragic outcome,” he stated.
Contrary to claims made by KWAM1’s representatives, Keyamo emphasized that the musician had physically obstructed the aircraft’s movement.
“He repeatedly changed his position on the tarmac, deliberately blocking the aircraft from taxiing to the runway for takeoff. This behavior is completely unacceptable,” the minister asserted.
He clarified that the issue was not whether the musician was holding a bottle of water or alcohol, but rather the dangerous and unlawful act of preventing an aircraft from moving. “This act amounts to a hostage situation,” he said, noting that video evidence confirmed the obstruction.
While condemning KWAM1’s actions, the Minister also criticized the response of the aircraft crew. “Regardless of the provocation, it was equally wrong for the pilot to begin taxiing without confirming that security personnel had removed the individual obstructing the aircraft,” Keyamo said.
He highlighted that both the musician and the airline’s crew violated internationally recognized aviation safety protocols as outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The Minister acknowledged the prompt action taken by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which has temporarily suspended the licenses of both the aircraft’s captain and pilot pending a full investigation.
However, he expressed concern over what he described as an imbalance in disciplinary actions. “While I commend the NCAA for its swift response, I question the fairness of punishing only the airline’s crew while failing to take immediate action against the other party. Justice must be balanced.”
“In light of the situation, I have directed the NCAA to place KWAM1 on a no-fly list, pending a comprehensive investigation,” Keyamo declared. “All airlines—both domestic and international—must be notified immediately. Any carrier that defies this directive risks having its operational license withdrawn.”
The statement underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward breaches of aviation safety and reiterates its commitment to upholding justice and international standards in the aviation sector.