The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a six-month flying ban on renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate, over an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Confirming the development on Thursday, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the artist’s conduct violated aviation safety regulations and could have endangered lives.
“The passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria. We are also writing to the Attorney General and Inspector General of Police to begin legal action,” Achimugu announced.
The incident, which occurred during ValueJet flight VK201 boarding on Monday, August 5, allegedly involved the musician refusing to comply with screening rules and attempting to carry a flask containing liquid exceeding the 100ml limit aboard. FAAN stated that the content; later identified as alcohol, were spilled on a security officer.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, further escalated the matter by placing K1 on a no-fly list pending full investigation.
“K1’s actions, including physically blocking the aircraft from taxiing, were unacceptable and akin to a hostage situation,” Keyamo stated via X. “No one is above the law, not even celebrities.”
Keyamo criticized both the ValueJet crew and K1, describing the episode as a “temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides” that could have turned fatal.
However, K1 de Ultimate, through his media aide Kunle Rasheed, denied any wrongdoing. He claimed the flask contained plain drinking water provided by airport lounge staff and that his actions were misrepresented. He maintained that the situation was escalated unnecessarily despite his cooperation.
The statement further claimed that airport officials apologized privately and offered a free private jet to transport the singer after the incident.
While investigations continue, both local and international airlines have been instructed to comply with the directive. Defiance could lead to operational sanctions, the minister warned.
