In a dramatic turn of events following a public altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has placed popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as Kwam 1, on a no-fly list, pending full investigation into the incident.
The clash, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, involved Kwam 1 and crew members of ValueJet. Keyamo, reacting officially for the first time since the incident made headlines, condemned both parties, stating that the altercation amounted to a serious breach of international aviation safety protocols and could have had fatal consequences.
“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,” Keyamo disclosed.
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“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.
“Video footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, reportedly shows Kwam 1 physically obstructing an aircraft from taxiing—a move that the Minister described as “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE.”
“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 have 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,” Keyamo said. “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 is akin to a hostage situation.”
The Minister did not, however, spare the aircraft crew, noting that the pilot also acted irresponsibly by beginning to taxi the aircraft without ensuring that the runway was clear of obstruction.
“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 stressed. “Both sides breached standard SAFETY PROTOCOL as required by the INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO).”
In response to the incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has already suspended the license of the Captain and the Pilot of the aircraft. While commending the agency’s swift action, Keyamo questioned the fairness of singling out only one party for sanction.
“I commend them for their proactive action,” Keyamo noted. “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.”
He then dropped the bombshell: “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.”
According to aviation experts, the move is unprecedented and sends a strong message about the government’s zero tolerance for any breach of aviation safety regulations, regardless of social status.
As the investigation continues, the incident has sparked widespread debate over VIP behaviour in public spaces and the integrity of aviation protocols in Nigeria.
