Minister Keyamo Confirms Ban on KWAM 1 From Flying, Warns Airlines Against Transporting Him

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has issued a stern directive placing Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1) on a no-fly list, following his involvement in a controversial airport incident on August 5, 2025.

The minister also warned that any airline—domestic or international—that attempts to fly the artist will face immediate sanctions, including the withdrawal of their operating licence.

What Happened at the Abuja Airport?

The drama unfolded at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during the boarding process for a ValueJet flight to Lagos. KWAM1 reportedly attempted to bring an unidentified liquid substance onboard, leading to a standoff with aviation security personnel.

In a shocking escalation, the artist allegedly moved onto the tarmac and blocked the aircraft from taxiing, prompting a security breach that led the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the licenses of the pilot and co-pilot involved.

Minister Keyamo Reacts: “It Was a Hostage Situation”

Speaking on the incident, Keyamo didn’t mince words:

“Contrary to what the agents of KWAM1 have said, he constantly moved his position on the tarmac to actually block the aircraft from taxiing. This is totally unacceptable behaviour.”

He added that the situation was akin to a “hostage scenario,” and that both the musician and the flight crew acted with “a temporary loss of sanity and control.”

Keyamo acknowledged the NCAA’s suspension of the pilots but criticized what he described as “one-sided justice.”

“What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.”

Official Ban Issued

The Minister then directed the NCAA to place KWAM1 on an official no-fly list, with immediate notification to all airlines, stating:

“All airlines, both domestic and international, should immediately be informed of this directive. Anyone who flouts this order risks withdrawal of their operating licence.”

Summary of Disciplinary Measures

• KWAM1 banned from flying for six months pending further investigation.

• All airlines warned not to transport him.

• Pilots of ValueJet suspended for violating safety protocols.

• Full investigation underway into actions by both parties.

Reactions & Next Steps

The directive has stirred debate across social media, with opinions split between support for the minister’s decisive action and sympathy for the veteran musician.

KWAM1’s media team has denied allegations of misconduct, claiming the flask in question contained only drinking water and that the artist did not block the aircraft.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and NCAA have both launched investigations, and more disciplinary measures may follow.