Keyamo Orders No-Fly Ban on Kwam 1 Over Airport Tarmac Incident

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed the immediate placement of renowned Fuji musician, Kwam 1 (King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal), on a national no-fly list following a dramatic confrontation with ValueJet airline staff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, reportedly involved Kwam 1 obstructing a ValueJet aircraft on the tarmac, preventing it from taxiing toward the runway. In a statement released by the Minister, Keyamo described the situation as “a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides,” warning that the altercation 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. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour,” Keyamo stated, emphasising that the artist’s actions were akin to a “hostage situation.”

While acknowledging that the Captain and Pilot of the aircraft also violated international safety protocols by attempting to taxi despite the presence of an individual on the tarmac, Keyamo criticised the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for only suspending the flight crew. He stressed the need for equal accountability.

“In the circumstance, 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,” Keyamo declared, warning that any airline—domestic or international—that fails to comply with the directive risks having its operating license withdrawn.

The Minister also confirmed receipt of video footage and agency reports which influenced his preliminary findings and decisions.

The incident has sparked national debate on airport security, aviation safety, and the conduct of public figures. A full investigation is currently underway.