KWAM1 may be barred from flying over reported unruly airport conduct

KWAM1 may be barred from flying over reported unruly airport conduct 

 

Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde aka KWAM1, may be placed on a ‘no-fly’ list by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and prevented from travelling by air in the country.

This is coming as a punitive measure for the popular musician’s alleged unruly behaviour during boarding at the Abuja airport in which he accused of disrupting flight operations.

A ‘no-fly list’ is a database of individuals prohibited from boarding commercial flights due to suspected links to terrorism or other security threats.

Already, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is investigating the incident and vowed to apply the necessary punishment.

According to an incident report by Captain Ranti of ValuJet, who was the pilot in command of Flight VK201 from Abuja to Lagos, on Tuesday, KWAM1 had approached the aircraft at about 08:15–08:20 carrying a gold flask of unknown content.

It stated that the ground staff requested, as a normal standard procedure, to verify the content of the flask but he vehemently refused.

He was said to be seen drinking from the flask and the ground staff suspected that it contained alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

Instead, he reportedly responded with comments such as, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.”

“As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security personnel reiterated that he could not board without complying with the inspection. He became confrontational, causing a disruption,” Captain Ranti continued.

“To manage the situation and prevent further delay, I exited the cockpit and approached Ayinde to engage him amicably. Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers.

Following this assault, airport security intervened, and other passengers were allowed to continue boarding. The Head of Security advised that Ayinde should not be permitted to travel on the flight due to his behaviour. I agreed, prioritising the safety of my passengers and crew.”

The passenger was said to have moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to leave the area despite repeated requests, before he was ultimately escorted away by AVSEC crime unit for further investigation, after which he was released.

FAAN however reiterated its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel, saying the Authority will not tolerate any actions that compromise operational integrity or undermine aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved.

It noted that the matter was under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable would be held accountable according to the law.

It was said that KWAM1’s disorderly conduct hindered ValuJet’s flight operations as well as a serious breach of aviation safety protocols, that forced the NCAA to suspend two of the airline’s pilots.

The airline is also considering suing the musician for his unruly behaviour which nearly jeopardised its flight operations.