LAGOS, Nigeria — The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says the travel ban on Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, will remain in place indefinitely until the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into a recent airport incident.
On Thursday, August 7, 2025, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo directed the NCAA to place the singer on a no-fly list for six months pending a full inquiry. Airlines — both domestic and international — were warned to comply or risk losing their operating licences.
However, speaking on TVC on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Mike Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the restriction would now last “until whenever investigations into this matter have been concluded. There is no certain date for that, but investigations are ongoing.”
Mr Achimugu outlined preliminary findings, saying KWAM 1 passed through airport security scanners and entered the VIP lounge, where it was believed he obtained a bottle of water.
Passengers from the lounge, he explained, must undergo a secondary check before boarding.
“It was at that point the liquid was discovered, and he was told he could not board with it and was asked to stand aside,” he said.
“The allegation is that KWAM 1 refused to comply and proceeded towards the aircraft. Security personnel, possibly avoiding the use of force, walked alongside him to the foot of the aircraft, where the pilot was called to assess the situation.”
In trying to prove the liquid was harmless, the singer allegedly splashed water, with some hitting the pilot, who then “got angry, got back into the aircraft, and shut the door of the plane,” Mr Achimugu said.
He stressed that the account was based on preliminary investigations and no conclusions would be drawn until the probe is complete.
The NCAA, he added, had referred the matter to the attorney-general of the federation and the inspector-general of police to ensure it was “not swept under the carpet.”
The incident also involves ValueJet Airlines, whose pilots have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
