The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that the travel ban placed on popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as KWAM 1, will remain in effect indefinitely until the conclusion of ongoing investigations into a flight incident.
On August 7, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed the NCAA to place the musician on a no-fly list for six months, pending a full investigation. He also warned both domestic and international airlines to comply with the restriction or risk suspension of their operating licences.
However, speaking on TVC on Thursday, Mike Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, clarified that the restriction no longer has a fixed duration.
“It is no longer a six-month issue. It is until whenever investigations into this matter have been concluded. There is no certain date for that, but investigations are ongoing,” Achimugu said.
Detailing preliminary findings, the NCAA official explained that KWAM 1 had passed through airport security scanners and accessed the VIP lounge, where it was believed he obtained a bottle of water.
“Passengers boarding from the VIP lounge still undergo another check before getting on the plane. It was at that point the liquid was discovered, and he was told he could not board with it and was asked to stand aside,” he said.
According to Achimugu, the allegation is that the singer refused to comply and proceeded toward the aircraft. Security personnel, possibly avoiding confrontation, escorted him to the foot of the aircraft, where the pilot was called to assess the situation.
“In trying to prove that what he was carrying was harmless, he splashed water. Somehow, some of it splashed on the pilot, who got angry, got back into the aircraft, and shut the door of the plane,” he added.
He stressed that these details remain part of a preliminary report and no final conclusion has been reached.
Achimugu assured that the findings will be made public once investigations are complete, noting that aviation incidents are rarely straightforward. He also confirmed that the NCAA has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to further probe the matter involving ValueJet airline and the musician.
“This matter will not be swept under the carpet. It has been escalated to the highest legal authorities in the country,” he stated.
