The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has written to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the investigation and possible prosecution of Fuji maestro King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) for alleged breach of standard air safety protocol.
NCAA also issued an advisory to members of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to immediately place the musician who is popularly known as Kwam 1 and K1 De Ultimate, on a ‘no-fly list,’’ pending the outcome of official investigations.’’
A person put on no-fly ban cannot travel by air during the period.
The no-flight ban was directed by Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, who likened the musician’s attempt to prevent the take-off of an aircraft to a “hostage situation.’’
Marshal was seen on video, which went viral on Wednesday, blocking an aircraft belonging to ValueJet for not allowing him to board at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA), Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and raised concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety guidelines.
The pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, of the ValueJet aircraft. were also not spared by the aviation regulator. Their licences were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
NCAA, in a statement yesterday by its Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Director, Michael Achimugu, said: ‘’We have officially petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident involving musician, King Wasiu Omagbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewale Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate and domestic airline ValueJet.
‘’According to preliminary reports, during a scheduled ValueJet flight VK201, K1 De Ultimate was allegedly involved in actions that violate Nigerian civil aviation regulations.
‘’While full details of the incident are still being compiled, the NCAA has emphasised the importance of upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring accountability, regardless of the parties involved.
‘’In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, we called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
‘’Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urging the immediate consideration and institution of a ‘no-fly list for K1 De Ultimate(on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.
‘’This advisory is in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew, and airline operations.
‘’We reiterate our commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry, as passengers are held to the same standards of behaviour and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.
‘’Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.’’
