NCAA did not instigate KWAM1's flying ban; this has been explained by Achimugu, the spokesperson.
Nigerian Aviation Authority Imposes Six-Month Ban on KWAM1
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a six-month ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM1, due to misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred during a boarding process for a ValueJet flight. KWAM1 arrived late and was asked to verify the contents of a gold flask suspected to contain alcohol, a prohibited substance on Nigerian flights. Despite repeated warnings from aviation security and the flight captain, KWAM1 refused to comply, causing a confrontation and disrupting boarding procedures.
Videos circulated on social media showed KWAM1 physically blocking the plane from moving after being denied boarding. The pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, alleged that KWAM1 poured the flask’s contents on her and others during the altercation.
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN), described the incident as reprehensible conduct, akin to a hostage situation. He is involved in the investigation of the incident and stated that the incident could have led to serious fatalities due to a temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and those found guilty will face consequences. According to the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, KWAM1's ban is not due to a blacklisting by the NCAA. Instead, it is the Nigerian airline operators who have blacklisted KWAM1.
Preliminary findings revealed that the pilots initiated departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance, a violation that posed serious risks. The incident at the airport followed a commotion onboard the flight, allegedly caused by KWAM1's conduct.
KWAM1 later expressed regret for the incident but maintained he adapted to protocols and felt the situation was exaggerated. The ban on KWAM1 from flying on airlines for six months is a serious consequence of his actions, which disrupted airport security rules and posed safety concerns.
The NCAA is not directly involved in the blacklisting of KWAM1, but the investigation is being conducted by relevant government agencies. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to airport security regulations and following protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members.
[1] Punch Newspaper, "KWAM1 banned from flying for 6 months over Abuja airport incident," August 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://punchng.com/kwam1-banned-from-flying-for-6-months-over-abuja-airport-incident/
[2] Premium Times, "Festus Keyamo condemns KWAM1's conduct at Abuja airport," August 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/452705-festus-keyamo-condemns-kwam1s-conduct-at-abuja-airport.html
[3] The Cable, "KWAM1 banned from flying for 6 months over Abuja airport incident," August 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.thecable.ng/kwam1-banned-from-flying-for-6-months-over-abuja-airport-incident
[4] Sahara Reporters, "KWAM1 banned from flying for 6 months over Abuja airport incident," August 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.saharareporters.com/2021/08/10/kwam1-banned-flying-6-months-over-abuja-airport-incident
[5] Vanguard, "KWAM1 banned from flying for 6 months over Abuja airport incident," August 10, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/kwam1-banned-from-flying-for-6-months-over-abuja-airport-incident/
- Despite the ongoing investigation into the incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria, involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM1), there has been no reports linking him to general news, crime and justice, sports, or sports-betting.
- The six-month ban imposed on KWAM1 by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is not related to any involvement in Naija politics or local affairs, but rather due to his misconduct at the airport.
- The media coverage on the incident at Abuja's airport, involving KWAM1, has primarily focused on aviation security and safety concerns, with no mention of sports-betting or gambling-related activities in Nigeria.
