The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has shed light on the recent altercation involving Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as K1 De Ultimate), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, August 5, reportedly disrupted the boarding process of a ValueJet flight (VK 201) scheduled to depart for Lagos. According to FAAN, the musician attempted to board the flight with an undeclared liquid later identified as alcohol, contravening international aviation safety regulations.
In a statement issued by Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Kwam 1 allegedly ignored multiple warnings from airport security officers about the banned item.
“The passenger attempted to carry alcohol on board, in violation of international regulations. Despite repeated warnings, he failed to comply,” Orah said.
FAAN clarified that the attempt breached both Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines outlined in Annex 17, which restrict passengers from carrying liquids over 100ml beyond security checkpoints unless declared and essential for medical purposes.
The statement further revealed that the situation escalated when the musician reportedly refused to step aside for further checks and proceeded to spill the alcohol on a security official. Efforts by the flight captain to mediate were also reportedly met with resistance.
Following the confrontation, the aircraft doors were closed, but the musician allegedly moved toward the front of the plane and refused to vacate the area until he was escorted away by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel. He was later released after an initial investigation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has confirmed it is looking into the matter. The agency had earlier suspended the pilot and co-pilot of the affected flight for allegedly bypassing critical pre-departure safety protocols.
FAAN reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers and the integrity of airport operations, stating that no individual regardless of social status will be allowed to compromise aviation safety standards.
The incident is still under investigation, with FAAN assuring that all responsible parties will be held accountable in line with existing aviation laws.
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