The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has asked the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to look into the incident involving ValueJet Airlines and Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji artist also known as Kwam 1.
In a statement issued Thursday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, stated that the incident reportedly disrupted routine operating processes and violated aviation safety protocols.
The authority stated that Kwam 1 was reportedly involved in conduct that violated Nigerian civil aviation regulations while on a scheduled ValueJet aircraft VK201.
“While full details of the incident are still being compiled, the NCAA has emphasised the importance of upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring accountability, regardless of the parties involved,” the statement reads.
“In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
“Furthermore, and in light of the growing concern, the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urging the immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate (on any commercial flight), pending the outcome of official investigations.”
According to Achimugu, the warning is consistent with global aviation norms that emphasise the safety of passengers, staff, and airline operations.
The director emphasised the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of status or public image, jeopardises the integrity of aviation.
He pledged to offer updates as the investigations progressed.
Earlier on Thursday, Achimugu stated that the agency is writing to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to begin legal actions against the singer.
The measure comes after the authorities grounded two ValueJet pilots following a safety breach at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja which was later related to the rowdy behaviour of Kwam 1, who was onboard the flight.
Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, has asked the NCAA to place the singer on a no-fly list pending the results of a thorough inquiry.
Keyamo also informed both domestic and international airlines that they must comply with the singer’s no-fly zone or face having their operating licenses revoked.
