A routine domestic flight turned into a spectacle at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday when Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate, disrupted operations and triggered a breach of aviation safety protocols.
The incident, which has now led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots, unfolded when Kwam 1 reportedly refused to surrender a flask suspected to contain alcohol.
According to sources familiar with the matter, a flight attendant confronted the veteran musician mid-boarding after noticing him drinking from the container.
Ayinde insisted the contents were prescribed medication, not alcohol, which is strictly prohibited onboard Nigerian commercial flights.
When the crew attempted to deboard him, Kwam 1 allegedly stormed to the front of the aircraft in protest, attempting to block its departure.
A video obtained trending online shows the musician standing defiantly in front of the plane, engaging with ground staff as the aircraft prepared for takeoff.
Moments later, the ValueJet plane took off, with Kwam 1 and airport personnel scrambling to avoid its wing, in what aviation authorities have described as a serious violation of safety procedures.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) swiftly responded, announcing on Wednesday the suspension of the two pilots involved.
In a statement, the NCAA condemned the crew’s decision to initiate takeoff without proper clearance, calling it a “reckless action” that endangered lives and flouted both national and international aviation standards.
“The pilots commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols,” the NCAA said.
Beyond grounding the pilots, the authority is now weighing disciplinary action against Kwam 1 himself. Officials are reportedly considering placing the artist on a national ‘no-fly list’, a rare move typically reserved for individuals deemed security threats.
Such a sanction could severely impact Ayinde’s ability to travel for performances, both locally and internationally.
Kwam 1, a towering figure in Nigeria’s music scene, is credited with revolutionizing the Fuji genre and commands a loyal fanbase. But this latest controversy has cast a shadow over his legacy, raising questions about celebrity conduct and accountability in public spaces.
As investigations continue, the incident has sparked broader conversations about aviation safety, enforcement, and the limits of star power.
