UPDATED: NCAA Bans Fuji Star K1 de Ultimate from Flying for Six Months Over Airport Incident

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced that popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 de Ultimate, will be barred from flying within Nigeria for six months following alleged misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the decision during a press briefing on Thursday.

“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book,” Achimugu stated. “As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months from flying in Nigeria.”

He emphasized that aviation regulations are universal and designed for passenger safety, adding that no one would be exempt from accountability.

“So, we will do everything we can to get to the root of it. Everybody who needs to be punished or sanctioned will receive justice,” he added.

Achimugu further disclosed that the NCAA was preparing to notify the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to initiate legal proceedings against the musician.

When questioned whether Ayinde’s close ties with President Bola Tinubu might influence the case, Achimugu asserted that both the President and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, were committed to upholding the rule of law.

Aviation Minister Orders No-Fly List Placement

Meanwhile, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has directed that K1 be placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

In a post on his official X account on Thursday, Keyamo stated that after reviewing reports and video footage, he concluded that both the musician and the aircraft crew violated safety protocols.

“I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footage of the incident,” Keyamo said.

“From all the details so far received, my preliminary impression is that it was obviously a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides, which could have led to serious fatalities.”

The minister described the situation as “akin to a hostage situation,” warning that no one, including celebrities, would be allowed to act with impunity.

“Contrary to what the agents of Kwam 1 have said, he CONSTANTLY moved his position on the tarmac to ACTUALLY BLOCK the aircraft from taxiing to take position on the runway for take-off. This is TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE behaviour,” Keyamo stated.

He further questioned why only the pilot and captain had been sanctioned, insisting that “what applies to the goose must also apply to the gander.”

“In the circumstance, I have also directed the NCAA to place KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending further and full investigation, just like the captain and pilot. All airlines, both domestic and international, should immediately be informed of this directive, and anyone who flouts this directive risks withdrawal of their operating licence,” the statement concluded.

FAAN Confirms Investigation

Earlier, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed it was investigating K1 de Ultimate over an alleged breach of aviation security protocols at the Abuja airport.

In a statement on Wednesday, FAAN said the incident occurred during boarding procedures for a ValueJet Airlines flight (VK 201) to Lagos on Monday, August 5.

The musician was accused of attempting to carry an unidentified liquid substance onboard despite warnings from aviation security and the flight captain. FAAN stated that the flask in question contained liquid exceeding the permitted 100ml limit under international aviation regulations.

Tensions reportedly escalated when Ayinde refused further screening and allegedly spilled the contents—later confirmed to be alcohol—on a security officer.

K1 Denies Wrongdoing

However, Ayinde denied any misconduct, describing the reports as exaggerated. In a statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, the musician maintained that the flask contained plain drinking water given to him at the airport lounge.

The statement dismissed claims that he blocked the aircraft or threatened safety procedures, insisting he remained calm throughout the encounter. It also alleged that senior airport officials and airline executives later apologized and even offered him a private jet to Lagos at no cost.

“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth—not assumptions—to guide their judgment. K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved,” the statement read.