The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the blacklisting of Fuji music icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, from flying within Nigeria for six months following what it described as a serious breach of aviation protocol at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

This development was disclosed by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, during a press briefing on Thursday. Achimugu said the musician’s actions at the airport endangered aviation personnel and violated international aviation safety standards.

“The passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months from flying within Nigeria,” Achimugu stated. “What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book. Aviation rules are not suggestions — they are global and designed to protect lives.”

He further confirmed that the agency is writing to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to initiate legal proceedings against the singer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INCIDENT

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, involved an altercation between K1 and officials of ValueJet Airlines and Aviation Security (AVSEC).

According to FAAN, the musician, who was due to board morning flight VK 201 to Lagos, attempted to carry an unidentified liquid — later confirmed to be alcohol — aboard the aircraft, contravening international aviation regulations that prohibit liquids exceeding 100 ml without medical justification.

FAAN spokesperson Mrs Obiageli Orah explained that K1 was repeatedly warned by both AVSEC personnel and the flight captain but refused to comply.

“The passenger allegedly refused to step aside for clarification and poured the liquid on the security officer,” Orah revealed. “Despite the flight captain’s intervention, the passenger resisted and later moved to the front of the aircraft, refusing to vacate the area. He was subsequently escorted away by AVSEC’s crime unit.”

FAAN reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring airport safety and declared that the incident is under thorough investigation.

REBUTTAL FROM K1’S CAMP

In response to the allegations, K1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, released a statement denying any misconduct by the musician. According to Rasheed, the situation was exaggerated and misrepresented.

“The substance in question was plain drinking water provided at the airport lounge. K1 did not endanger anyone nor breach safety regulations,” Rasheed said. “Claims that he blocked the aircraft or disrupted operations are completely unfounded.”

He further stated that K1 remained respectful throughout the incident and was later offered a private jet by the airline’s management—an offer the artiste declined. Rasheed also alleged that some top aviation officials had reached out to apologise and de-escalate the matter.

PILOTS ALSO SANCTIONED

In a related move, the NCAA also suspended two ValuJet pilots over a separate breach of aviation safety protocols on the same day. According to Achimugu, preliminary findings showed that the pilots—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—initiated departure procedures without obtaining mandatory pre-departure clearance.

“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and airport users,” he said. “Their licences have been suspended pending the outcome of a full investigation.”

ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SAFETY BREACHES

The NCAA and FAAN have both reiterated their zero-tolerance policy for any action that compromises aviation safety, regardless of status or affiliation.

“Whether you are a high-profile individual or a regular passenger, aviation rules apply equally to everyone,” Achimugu emphasised. “Even with close ties to President Bola Tinubu or the Minister of Aviation, no one will be spared if found culpable.”

While investigations are ongoing, FAAN also asked the public and media to refrain from sensationalising the situation.

ONGOING INVESTIGATION AND NEXT STEPS

FAAN and the NCAA are currently conducting a joint investigation into the matter, and legal action may be taken later. While the musician maintains his innocence, the aviation authorities appear resolute in enforcing existing regulations to uphold safety and order at Nigerian airports.