Petition to IGP; NCAA reacts to KWAM 1’s apology over Abuja Airport incident
Petition to IGP; NCAA reacts to KWAM 1’s apology over Abuja Airport incident
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that the decision on whether to prosecute fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate or KWAM 1, now lies with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu stated this on Friday in response to KWAM1’s public apology over his confrontation with ValueJet officials at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.
In a statement shared with Saturday Beats, KWAM1 described the incident as “unfortunate,” stressing that it was never his intention to disrupt operations or flout aviation rules.
The altercation, captured in a viral video, showed the singer appearing to block the plane’s take-off.
The footage sparked public outrage and led the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside the NCAA, to impose a six-month flight ban on the musician.
The pilots involved were also suspended pending investigation.
On Thursday, the NCAA confirmed it had petitioned the AGF and IGP to investigate and prosecute KWAM1.
Achimugu noted that the NCAA lacks prosecutorial powers, saying, “We have referred the case to the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General of the Federation, who are better positioned to determine and communicate the next steps.”
Keyamo, in a WhatsApp message to Saturday Beats, acknowledged seeing the apology but said the matter would still be reviewed.
Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi said he would confirm whether the Force had received the NCAA’s petition but had not responded as of press time. Efforts to get the AGF’s reaction were also unsuccessful.
In his apology, KWAM1 explained that he suffers from chronic dehydration and always carries a water flask on medical advice.
He denied claims that the flask contained alcohol, stating it was filled with water at the airport lounge before boarding — a fact he said could be confirmed via CCTV footage.
Reaffirming his patriotism, the veteran musician said, “I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over five decades or diminish the reputation of the country I love. To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my fans worldwide, I tender my unreserved apology.”
The incident drew heightened attention after viral footage showed the singer standing in front of the aircraft before it moved, with the wing narrowly missing his head.
