In a swift and dramatic response to the altercation between popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De Ultimate, and the staff of ValueJet, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has waded into the matter, describing the incident as a “temporary loss of sanity and control” by both parties.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 7, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, when the acclaimed musician was involved in a heated confrontation that escalated onto the tarmac. According to Keyamo, video evidence and reports from relevant aviation agencies indicate that Kwam 1 physically blocked a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing to the runway, a move he likened to a “hostage situation.”
“This is totally unacceptable behaviour,” Keyamo stated. “The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even relevant at this point. What is reprehensible is the act of standing in front of a moving aircraft — an unimaginable safety breach.”
However, the Minister did not spare the ValueJet crew, insisting that the pilot also violated international safety standards by attempting to taxi the aircraft while the passenger was still dangerously close to it.
“No amount of provocation should make the captain begin to taxi without first ensuring that security personnel have removed the unruly passenger. Both sides clearly breached standard safety protocols as set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),” he said.
While commending the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for promptly suspending the licenses of the pilot and captain involved, Keyamo expressed displeasure over what he described as a lopsided disciplinary action.
“I have questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party. What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass,” he declared.
In a bold directive, the Minister ordered that Kwam 1 be immediately placed on a no-fly list pending further investigation. He directed the NCAA to notify all domestic and international airlines of the decision, warning that any airline that violates the directive risks the withdrawal of its operating license.
The shocking turn of events has sparked widespread reactions across the country, with many awaiting the outcome of the full investigation.