Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered the placement of popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, on a no-fly list following an altercation at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday.
“From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities,” Keyamo wrote.
The incident, which has since gone viral, reportedly involved the musician physically blocking an aircraft from taxiing on the runway. Keyamo confirmed receiving reports from aviation agencies and video evidence of the encounter.
“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 has said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off,” the minister revealed. “This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour… akin to a hostage situation.”
While noting the provocative nature of the musician’s actions, the minister also criticised the pilot for initiating taxi procedures without ensuring the runway was cleared.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended the pilot’s license pending further investigation. However, Keyamo criticised what he called an imbalanced response.
“I commend them for their proactive action. However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party,” he said. “What applies to the goose must also to the gander.”
He therefore directed that Kwam 1 be placed on a no-fly list pending a full investigation, instructing both domestic and international airlines to comply.
“ALL AIRLINES, both domestic and International should IMMEDIATELY be informed of this directive and anyone who flouts this directive risk withdrawal of their operating licence,” Keyamo warned.
Chioma Kalu
