- Reacting to incident, Keyamo said KWAM 1 behaviour was unacceptable, saying his disruptive actions ard “akin to a hostage situation.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has voiced his displeasure at the behaviour of Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate in an incident involving him and Value Jet airline.
Recall that, in a now viral video, a visibly livid KWAM 1, was seen remonstrating with members of staff of the airline and airport officials on the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday after he missed his flight.
Moments later, he was seen ducking out of the way to avoid being hit by the fuselage of a moving jet he was supposed to be aboard.
Reacting to incident, Keyamo said KWAM 1 behaviour was unacceptable, saying his disruptive actions ard “akin to a hostage situation.”
Keyamo made the announcement in a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, citing reports and video evidence submitted by aviation agencies.
The minister said that Kwam 1 had deliberately obstructed the aircraft from proceeding to the runway, an action he likened to a hostage situation.
“I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footage of the incident.
“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.
“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 have 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. This is totally unacceptable behaviour. The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here, which is akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached,” he said.
Keyamo, however, also faulted the pilot’s response, stressing that aviation professionals must adhere to safety protocols at all times, regardless of the situation.
He acknowledged the swift action taken by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority in suspending the pilot’s license but expressed concern over the one-sided disciplinary action.
“On the other hand, no amount of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away who is standing in front of an aircraft.
“Both sides breached standard safety protocol as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
“I have noted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily suspended the license of the Captain and the Pilot pending full investigation. 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. What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander. That is one of the tenets of justice I have preached all my life. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass,” he added.
In a final directive, Keyamo ordered that Kwam 1 be placed on a no-fly list pending further investigation, warning all airlines of the consequences of ignoring the directive.
“In the circumstances, I have also directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation, just like the Captain and Pilot.
“All airlines, both domestic and International, should immediately be informed of this directive, and anyone who flouts this directive risks withdrawal of their operating licence,” Keyamo’s statement concluded.
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