NCAA suspends ValueJet pilots, mulls no-fly ban for Kwam 1 over airport safety breach

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots and is considering placing popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or Kwam 1, on a no-fly list following a serious safety breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The incident occurred on Monday, August 5, when Kwam 1 was onboard a ValueJet flight preparing for takeoff.

According to findings, the musician was spotted drinking from a flask by a flight attendant, who suspected the contents might be alcoholic—an item prohibited aboard commercial aircraft in Nigeria.

When confronted, Kwam 1 reportedly refused to surrender the flask, insisting that it contained prescription medication. The flight crew, unconvinced by his explanation and citing safety protocols, proceeded to deboard the musician.

Following his removal from the aircraft, Kwam 1 allegedly took matters into his own hands by marching to the front of the plane in an attempt to stop the flight from taking off.

A video shows the musician standing near the aircraft’s nose while ground personnel attempted to manage the situation.

In a shocking turn, the plane began taxiing with the artist and airport staff still dangerously close to the aircraft.

The video captures frantic moments as both Kwam 1 and the ground crew scrambled out of the way of the aircraft’s wing, which continued its takeoff without proper clearance.

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In response, the NCAA on Tuesday, August 6, confirmed the suspension of the two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident. The authority cited gross violations of aviation safety protocols.

“The pilots commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without obtaining mandatory pre-departure clearance,” the NCAA said in a statement.

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, violating civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.”

The aviation authority further disclosed that it is evaluating additional punitive measures against Kwam 1 himself. Chief among the options is placing the artist on a “no-fly list”—a security measure typically reserved for individuals considered a threat to aviation safety, often associated with terrorism or serious misconduct.

If enforced, such a sanction could significantly impact Kwam 1’s travel for both local and international performances.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from within the aviation and entertainment sectors, with some experts calling for stricter enforcement of air travel rules for high-profile individuals.

Others say the pilots’ decision to proceed with takeoff amid an unresolved ground incident reflects a broader concern over safety compliance in Nigerian aviation.

As investigations continue, the NCAA has assured the public that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and will not hesitate to sanction any party—regardless of their status—that endangers lives or undermines protocol.