The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered the placement of popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, on a temporary no-fly list following a dramatic altercation with ValueJet staff and crew at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025.
In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Keyamo revealed that video footage and official reports submitted by relevant aviation agencies showed that the musician repeatedly blocked a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing on the runway. He described the behaviour as “totally unacceptable” and likened it to “a hostage situation.”
“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 minister wrote.
While condemning the musician’s actions, Keyamo also faulted the ValueJet pilot and captain for breaching safety protocols by initiating taxi procedures without ensuring the tarmac was clear. He noted that both parties exhibited “a temporary loss of sanity and control” that could have resulted in fatal consequences.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had earlier announced the suspension of the pilot and captain’s licenses pending further investigations. Commending their swift response, Keyamo however expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to penalize only one party.
“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 to the gander,” he stated.
As a result, the minister directed the NCAA to include Kwam 1 on a no-fly list, warning all domestic and international airlines to comply immediately. He emphasized that any airline found violating this directive risks having their operating license withdrawn.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media and among aviation safety experts, with many applauding the minister’s even-handed response to a potentially dangerous situation.
