The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has blacklisted popular musician, Mr Wasiu Ayinde, otherwise known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1, for six months following an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja on Tuesday.
This development was confirmed by the Director of Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mr Michael Achimugu, to TVC News on Thursday.
This will prohibit the music act from using the airspace within or outside the country for the duration of the ban.
According to videos on social media, K1 De Ultimate was seen blocking a ValueJet plane carrying other passengers from taking off at the airport.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said it has commenced an investigation into the incident after the NCAA suspended two ValueJet pilots connected to the incident, which was described as a serious breach of safety protocols..
The airport managers alleged that the musician spilt alcohol on an airport officer, who had impeded him from onboarding with the substance during boarding at the airport on Tuesday.
The Lagos-bound flight, FAAN spokesperson Obiageli Orah said in a statement, was scheduled to be operated by ValueJet Airlines.
“During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security personnel and the Flight Captain,” FAAN stated.
The Authority said the musician tried to board the plane with a flask containing liquid later identified as alcohol in violation of aviation laws.
“The passenger was informed of this regulation but reportedly declined to comply.
“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification. The passenger allegedly refused and spilled the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol. The Flight Captain intervened but faced similar resistance.”
The atmosphere reportedly became charged when the singer allegedly moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area till security officers took him away.
“The Authority will not tolerate any actions that compromise operational integrity or undermine aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved.
“This matter is under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law.”