By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed an indefinite flight ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, following an incident at Abuja Airport earlier this month.
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu confirmed the development on Tuesday during an interview on Channels Television, stating that the singer’s actions during the August 5 altercation were tantamount to “a terrorist act.”
The incident reportedly occurred when KWAM 1 attempted to board a ValueJet flight with a flask containing an unidentified liquid. Security personnel insisted on inspecting the container, prompting the musician to allegedly splash its contents on an officer before obstructing the aircraft’s movement.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the episode as a “hostage situation” and ordered that the singer be placed on a domestic and international no-fly list. He also warned that any airline that defied the restriction risked losing its operating licence.
Initially, the NCAA handed down a six-month suspension and wrote to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police recommending criminal prosecution for obstructing aviation operations.
Achimugu has now confirmed that the ban has been extended indefinitely pending the outcome of investigations. KWAM 1 has apologised for the incident, stating that the flask contained water for medical purposes, but regulators have maintained their position as legal proceedings remain under consideration.
