The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1), violated aviation regulations by trying to take an alcoholic drink into a commercial airline and disrupting the airline’s operations.
In a statement on Wednesday, FAAN said its preliminary investigations of the incident that happened on Tuesday ‘confirmed that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201).
‘During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the Flight Captain’.
The aviation authority said the airline’s efforts to get Kwam 1 to drop the alcoholic drink before boarding the flight to Lagos failed.
‘As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification. The passenger allegedly refused and spilled the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol. The Flight Captain intervened but faced similar resistance’, FAAN said in the statement by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah.
Kwam 1 is one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians and is a personal friend of President Bola Tinubu.
‘This matter remains under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law’, FAAN said.
Several reports had it that Kwam 1 was spotted sipping from a flask after boarding the plane, prompting a flight attendant to question him over concerns it might contain alcohol, banned on flights within Nigeria.
The attendant allegedly requested that he hand over the flask, but the 68-year-old declined, claiming it contained doctor-prescribed medication.
When he persisted in keeping the flask, the airline crew reportedly asked him to leave the aircraft.
Following this, Kwam 1 allegedly moved toward the plane’s front, seemingly attempting to halt its departure.
In a video circulating on social media platforms on Wednesday, the singer was seen positioned in front of the aircraft while airport staff engaged him in conversation.
Moments later, Kwam 1 and the ground staff were seen moving out of the way as the aircraft departed, appearing to do so in violation of aviation safety protocols.
The footage sparked Public outcry online, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and a thorough probe into the incident.
Addressing the controversies, FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport staff.
FAAN emphasised that any behaviour which compromises operational integrity or breaches aviation safety standards will not be tolerated, irrespective of the status or identity of those involved.
FAAN reiterated its dedication to upholding the highest professionalism, safety, and regulatory compliance standards across all Nigerian airports.
