The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have offered conflicting responses to the recent airport incident involving popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
FAAN, in a statement on Wednesday, accused the 68-year-old singer of violating aviation rules by attempting to board a ValueJet flight with an alcoholic beverage and disrupting operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah, the musician, who was scheduled to fly to Lagos aboard ValueJet Flight VK 201 on Tuesday, resisted repeated instructions from Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the flight captain to relinquish a flask containing an “unidentified liquid substance.”
“When asked to step aside for clarification, the passenger refused and allegedly spilled the contents of the flask—confirmed to be alcohol—on a security officer,” FAAN said. “The Flight Captain also faced resistance when he tried to intervene.”
Despite the musician’s close ties to political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, FAAN stated it would conduct a full investigation and ensure that all parties found culpable would be held accountable under the law.
“This matter remains under thorough investigation,” the agency said, reaffirming its commitment to safety, professionalism, and operational integrity at all airports.
Witnesses say the situation escalated when KWAM 1 boarded the aircraft and continued sipping from the flask, prompting a flight attendant to intervene. The musician reportedly claimed the drink was medically prescribed. However, when he declined to surrender the flask, the airline crew asked him to disembark.
Videos circulating online show the musician standing in front of the aircraft on the tarmac while speaking with airport officials. The pilot later began taxiing the plane, with KWAM 1 and the officials narrowly moving out of the way—an action that many believe endangered lives.
Reacting to that portion of the incident, the NCAA said it had taken disciplinary action against the two ValueJet pilots involved. According to a statement from the agency’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the pilots—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—breached critical safety protocols by initiating takeoff procedures without obtaining the required clearance.
Their licenses have been suspended pending further investigation.
The disparity in responses from FAAN and NCAA appears to reflect the agencies’ differing mandates—FAAN oversees airport operations, while NCAA regulates aviation safety.
The incident has generated widespread public reaction, with many calling for transparency and accountability from all parties involved. Both agencies have promised thorough investigations to uphold aviation safety standards in Nigeria.
