Outcry As NCAA Suspends Two Pilots After Wasiu Ayinde Was Bounced Off ValueJet For Refusing To Stop Drinking Alcohol, Obstructing Flight

LAGOS – There is growing public outcry following the suspension of two ValueJet pilots by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) after a dramatic incident involving Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam1 or K1 De Ultimate.

On August 5, was onboard a flight when he was spotted drinking from a flask. A flight attendant approached him, suspecting that the flask contained alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

Despite being asked to surrender the flask, Kwam1 refused, insisting that it contained doctor-prescribed medication. His refusal led the flight crew to deboard the veteran musician from the aircraft.

Shortly after being removed, Kwam1 allegedly made his way to the front of the aircraft in an attempt to prevent the plane from taking off. A video seen by media shows the singer standing on the tarmac, engaging with ground personnel, before he and others were seen dodging the aircraft’s wing as the plane forcefully took off, in violation of aviation safety regulations.

On August 6, the NCAA announced the suspension of the two ValueJet pilots involved, citing lapses in judgment and breaches of standard aviation safety procedures. The agency emphasized that allowing takeoff during an active obstruction was reckless and unacceptable.

The incident has sparked widespread debate and criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the professionalism of both the airline crew and the conduct of the celebrity musician.

Industry experts have also raised concerns about how such high-profile disruptions are managed, especially when they involve potential threats to passenger and ground crew safety.

But the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) insisted that K1 brought alcohol onboard ValueJet.

According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), K1 attempted to bring an unidentified liquid substance onto a ValueJet flight to Lagos, despite warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the flight captain.

The substance was later confirmed to be alcohol, which K1 allegedly spilled on a security officer.

The situation escalated, and K1 reportedly refused to comply with the flight captain’s interventions, causing disruption.

K1 was escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit for further investigation and was later released. The incident is under investigation, with FAAN reaffirming its commitment to upholding aviation safety standards.

Wasiu Ayinde, the popular Fuji musician, has responded to the trending report at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he was accused of spilling alcohol on official and attempted to stop a flight from taking off.

K1 in a press release by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed said:

“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) displayed unruly conduct while attempting to board a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025, allegedly causing a breach of aviation protocol.

“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading.

“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalized — was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft. Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.

“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols.

“If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos — at no cost. Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.

“It must also be emphasized that K1 was the victim in this incident. No one else but him and his personal assistant was directly involved. A few concerned passengers who witnessed the incident firsthand appealed to him to remain calm, recognizing the undue pressure he was under.

“In light of recent developments, it is important to note that the pilot involved now has her license suspended. Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up.

“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment. K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved.”