The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will blacklist Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1, for six months following his disruptive conduct at the domestic terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the sanction during a press briefing on Thursday.
“I can assure the public that everyone involved will be held accountable,” said Achimugu. “As it stands, the passenger will be banned from flying within Nigeria for six months. Aviation rules exist to protect all — they are universal and not targeted at any individual.”
The NCAA is also contacting the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to initiate legal action against Ayinde.
When questioned about Ayinde’s ties to President Bola Tinubu, Achimugu insisted that both Tinubu and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo uphold the rule of law and that no one, regardless of status, is above due process.
The incident reportedly involved Ayinde being spotted drinking from a flask onboard a ValueJet flight on August 5. A flight attendant intervened over suspicions that the flask contained alcohol — a banned substance on Nigerian flights.
FAAN stated that Ayinde ignored repeated warnings from aviation security (AVSEC) and the flight captain. In the process of verification, the liquid was spilled on a security officer and later confirmed to be alcohol.
The NCAA subsequently suspended two ValueJet pilots for failing to adhere to mandatory pre-departure clearance, a breach which endangered airport personnel and contravened aviation regulations.
In a statement released Thursday, Ayinde refuted the claims, insisting the incident was “exaggerated and misleading.” He maintained that the flask only contained “plain drinking water” provided by the airport lounge.