How K1’s Unruly Behaviour Forced Pilots to Breach Safety Protocol

By Odekunle Doyin

…Regulatory body mulls placing Fuji star on ‘no-fly list’

#NewsAlert report that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two pilots with ValueJet Airlines over a serious safety breach involving veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1.

The incident, which occurred on August 5 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has raised concerns over aviation safety protocols and the conduct of high-profile passengers onboard domestic flights.

Kwam 1 Refuses to Surrender Flask Suspected to Contain Alcohol

According to sources familiar with the matter, Kwam 1 was onboard a ValueJet flight when a flight attendant requested he surrender a flask suspected to contain alcohol — a prohibited substance onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

However, the musician reportedly refused, claiming the content was a prescribed medication. His refusal led to his deboarding by the flight crew.

Eyewitnesses say the veteran singer, in protest, attempted to obstruct the flight from taking off by moving to the front of the aircraft.

A video from the scene, which went viral on social media on Wednesday, showed Kwam 1 and ground personnel standing in front of the aircraft before it forcefully took off, narrowly missing the individuals and sparking safety concerns.

Pilots Suspended for Breaching Safety Protocols

In a statement issued on August 6, the NCAA said the pilots commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without obtaining pre-departure clearance, describing the act as reckless and a violation of aviation safety regulations.

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” the statement read.

The regulatory body added that the two pilots involved have been suspended, and further investigations are ongoing.

Kwam 1 May Face Further Sanctions

Beyond the suspension of the pilots, the NCAA is reportedly considering placing Kwam 1 on a “no-fly list” due to his disruptive behaviour.

The list typically comprises individuals deemed a threat to aviation safety and may result in their prohibition from boarding domestic and international flights.

If implemented, the measure could significantly affect the artiste’s local and international travel engagements.

As of press time, Kwam 1 has not issued an official statement regarding the incident.