UPDATED: NCAA Bars Fuji Legend K1 de Ultimate from Flying for Six Months Over Airport Misconduct

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced a six-month flying ban on renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate, following a reported altercation at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

This development was confirmed on Thursday by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, during a press conference.

According to Achimugu, the agency is taking the matter seriously and has resolved to ensure accountability. “No one will be spared in this process. The passenger in question will be barred from flying in Nigeria for the next six months,” he stated.

He emphasized that aviation regulations are globally enforced and designed to prioritize safety. “We are committed to investigating the incident thoroughly, and anyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions,” he added.

Achimugu also revealed that the authority is engaging the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to initiate legal action against the music star.

When asked whether K1’s close relationship with President Bola Tinubu might influence the case, Achimugu maintained that both the President and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, are advocates of due process and would not obstruct justice.

Minister Orders No-Fly Listing

Separately, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed that K1 has been placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of the full investigation. Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Keyamo disclosed that he had reviewed reports and video evidence provided by aviation agencies and concluded that the actions of both the artist and the aircraft crew were inappropriate and dangerous.

“In reviewing the reports and footage from the August 7 altercation at the Abuja airport involving K1 and the ValueJet staff, it became clear that both sides momentarily lost control. The incident could have ended in disaster,” he noted.

Keyamo likened the musician’s actions to a “hostage situation,” stating that K1’s repeated movements on the tarmac were an intentional attempt to obstruct the aircraft from taxiing toward the runway. “This behaviour is unacceptable. The presence or absence of alcohol isn’t the core issue—it’s the physical interference with aircraft movement that’s troubling,” he said.

He added, “Sanctions cannot be selective. Just as the pilot and captain have been penalized, the same applies to K1. All airlines are to comply with this directive or risk having their licenses withdrawn.”

FAAN Confirms Ongoing Investigation

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also weighed in, confirming that an internal investigation is ongoing. According to a statement released on Wednesday, the incident occurred on Monday, August 5, during boarding for ValueJet flight VK 201 to Lagos.

FAAN alleged that the musician attempted to carry a liquid-filled flask—above the 100ml regulatory limit—onboard the flight. Despite being warned by security and flight officials, he reportedly resisted further checks and eventually spilled the liquid, later confirmed to be alcohol, on a security officer.

K1 Denies Wrongdoing

In a swift response, K1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, dismissed the allegations as exaggerated. He insisted the flask contained only water given to the musician at the airport lounge and that K1 acted respectfully throughout the encounter.

The statement refuted claims that the artist blocked the aircraft or disrupted safety operations, asserting that K1 remained calm and cooperative. It also claimed that airline officials later reached out to apologize and even offered to arrange a private flight to Lagos as a gesture of goodwill.

“We ask the media and the public to avoid sensational reporting. K1 is a law-abiding citizen and is cooperating fully with the authorities to bring clarity to the matter,” the statement concluded