The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal — popularly known as K1 de Ultimate — for six months over an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed that K1 has been blacklisted from flying within Nigeria.
“As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria,” Achimugu stated.
“Aviation rules are global and designed for the safety of all. No one is above the law.”
Achimugu added that the agency is writing to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to initiate legal action against the musician.
When asked about the influence of K1’s known political connections, particularly with President Bola Tinubu, Achimugu clarified that both the president and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, are committed to the rule of law.
Minister Responds with No-Fly Directive
In a swift response, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo ordered K1 to be placed on a no-fly list pending a full investigation.
Keyamo, in a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, said reports and video evidence confirmed breaches of aviation safety protocols by both K1 and the airline crew.
“My preliminary impression is that it was a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides, which could have led to serious fatalities,” Keyamo said.
“Kwam 1 consistently moved around the tarmac, physically blocking the aircraft from taxiing — behavior that is completely unacceptable and akin to a hostage situation.”
Keyamo emphasized that no individual — including celebrities — will be allowed to compromise aviation safety or act with impunity.
He further stated that all airlines must comply with the directive, warning that failure to do so may result in the withdrawal of operating licenses.
FAAN and NCAA Investigations Underway
Earlier, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed an ongoing investigation into the August 5 incident involving K1 and the crew of ValueJet flight VK 201 to Lagos.
According to FAAN, the conflict began during boarding, when the musician allegedly attempted to carry a liquid-filled flask onboard in violation of international safety regulations limiting liquids to 100ml.
The situation escalated after K1 reportedly refused further screening and spilled the flask’s contents — later confirmed to be alcohol — on a security officer.
K1 Denies Wrongdoing
In a rebuttal, K1 de Ultimate, through his media aide Kunle Rasheed, denied any misconduct. The statement claimed the flask contained only water provided at the airport lounge and that the reports were “exaggerated and misleading.”
K1 insisted he remained calm and cooperative throughout the incident and accused officials of escalating a minor misunderstanding.
“We urge the media and public to avoid sensationalism and let the facts speak. K1 is a law-abiding citizen and will continue to cooperate with authorities for a fair resolution.”
The statement also claimed that senior airport and airline officials apologized and even offered a private jet to transport him to Lagos at no cost — a gesture the singer declined.
