NIGERIA: Police Launch Probe Into KWAM 1’s Alleged Unruly Conduct At Abuja Airport

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed it received a formal petition from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over alleged unruly behaviour by Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to a statement issued on August 12, 2025, by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the incident, which reportedly occurred on August 5, allegedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.

“In response, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the matter, to unravel the circumstances which led to the ugly incident and ensure justice is served accordingly,” Adejobi stated.

The case has continued to generate public debate, as the populace laments that K1 did not get sanctioned as much as the case of the Lady Comfort, who received a life ban from the aviation after an altercation with one of the air hostesses of the airline.

The Former President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Peter Esele, in a report released yesterday, described the alleged conduct as “unbecoming of a respected musician and celebrity,” warning that it reflected a deeper problem of impunity in Nigerian society.

Esele said that it is a metaphor for a nation where power exempts one from consequence, adding that “aviation laws are clear; and enforcement should not bend to influence.

The controversy began after a viral video appeared to show K1 standing in front of a ValueJet aircraft in an attempt to block it from taxiing. According to the airline, the musician had been barred from boarding flight VK 201 (Abuja–Lagos) for insisting on carrying a flask containing a liquid above the permitted 100ml limit. The flight captain, Oluranti Ogoyi, alleged that K1 opened the container and poured its contents on her and others nearby.

On August 7, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, directed the NCAA to place K1 on a no-fly list for six months pending the conclusion of a full investigation. The NCAA has since stated that the travel ban will remain in force indefinitely until the probe is complete.

The police assured the public of their commitment to maintaining safety and security within Nigeria’s aviation sector and pledged improved collaboration with stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with aviation laws.