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NCAA blacklists K1 De Ultimate from flying for six months over airport misconduct
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a six-month flight ban on legendary Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, over an alleged breach of aviation security protocols at the domestic terminal of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The development was confirmed by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, during a press briefing held on Thursday, August 7, 2025.
“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book,” Achimugu stated. “As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months from flying in Nigeria.”
Achimugu stressed that aviation safety regulations are globally recognized and binding on all individuals regardless of their social standing, noting that the rule of law must prevail.
In addition to the no-fly sanction, the NCAA has disclosed plans to formally petition the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to initiate legal proceedings against the musician.
When asked whether Ayinde’s close ties to President Bola Tinubu might influence the process, Achimugu assured reporters that both the president and the minister of Aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, have shown firm support for due process and the enforcement of aviation laws.
Minister Keyamo also confirmed the incident via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that video evidence and reports from aviation agencies showed misconduct by both the artist and members of the airline crew. He emphasized that the confrontation posed a serious safety risk.
“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,” Keyamo said.
He went on to describe the altercation as akin to a “hostage situation,” accusing K1 De Ultimate of obstructing the aircraft’s taxiing process—an act he described as “totally unacceptable.”
“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,” the Minister said.
Keyamo further criticized the initial decision to only sanction the pilot and captain, insisting that all responsible parties must be held accountable.
“In the circumstance, I have directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation. All airlines, both domestic and international, should be informed of this directive,” he added.
Earlier, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that an investigation was underway following K1’s alleged refusal to comply with standard safety screening procedures. The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, August 5, 2025, during boarding for a ValueJet flight (VK 201) to Lagos.
According to FAAN, the musician attempted to bring an unidentified liquid in a flask onboard, violating international aviation rules that prohibit liquids over 100ml. Tensions escalated when K1 allegedly spilled the liquid later confirmed to be alcohol on a security official.
In response, K1 De Ultimate has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, the artist claimed the flask contained only drinking water given to him in the airport lounge. He also insisted he made efforts to clarify the situation before it was “unnecessarily escalated.”
The statement rejected accusations of aircraft obstruction or security violations and said that the musician maintained his composure throughout the incident. It further noted that senior airport officials later reached out to apologize and even offered him a private jet to Lagos at no cost.
“We urge the media and public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth, not assumptions, to guide their judgment. K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure the matter is responsibly resolved,” the statement read.
Further developments are expected as investigations into the matter continue.
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