Aviation Minister Condemns Incident at Abuja Airport
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has strongly criticized the actions of KWAM 1 during an incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, calling the behavior “totally unacceptable.” This statement followed a detailed review of video footage and reports from aviation agencies.
The incident involved the Fuji music icon allegedly blocking a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing, raising significant safety concerns. As a result, both KWAM 1 and the pilot of the aircraft have been sanctioned. Keyamo ordered the singer to be placed on a no-fly list pending a full investigation into the matter.
In a public statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on August 7, 2025, Keyamo highlighted that he had received comprehensive reports and video evidence regarding the confrontation between KWAM 1 and ValueJet staff. He emphasized that preliminary findings indicated a “case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides,” warning that the situation could have led to a fatal outcome.
Keyamo specifically criticized KWAM 1 for moving around on the tarmac to block the aircraft from taxiing to the runway for take-off. “This is totally unacceptable behavior,” he wrote. He further stressed that the issue of whether KWAM 1 was carrying water or alcohol was irrelevant. Instead, the focus should be on the physical blockage of the aircraft, which he compared to a hostage situation.
Safety Protocols Breached by Both Parties
Keyamo also raised concerns about the pilot’s decision to begin taxiing while KWAM 1 was still positioned in front of the aircraft. He pointed out that “no amount of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away.”
According to Keyamo, both parties involved violated standard safety procedures as outlined by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). While he commended the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their proactive action in temporarily suspending the pilot’s license, he questioned the fairness of addressing only one side of the incident.
“I commend them for their proactive action. However, I have also questioned their sense of justice in only acting against one party and not the other party. What applies to the goose must also apply to the gander,” he stated.
KWAM 1 Placed on No-Fly List
In a decisive move, Keyamo announced that KWAM 1 would be placed on a no-fly list pending a full investigation into the incident. He directed the NCAA to inform all domestic and international airlines of this directive, warning that any airline that fails to comply risks having its operating license withdrawn.
“I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass,” Keyamo declared, emphasizing his commitment to upholding aviation safety standards.
Suspension of Pilots at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport
Earlier reports indicated that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended a ValueJet pilot and a co-pilot over allegations of violating aviation safety protocols at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Michael Achimugu, the director of public affairs and consumer protection of the federal government agency, disclosed the development in a statement on August 5.
He stated that the NCAA confirmed the receipt of the report of the incident, which occurred on the same day at the airport's domestic terminal. The suspension reflects the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the breach of safety protocols.