The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute renowned Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, following an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday.
The petition follows the singer’s actions, which involved attempting to block a moving ValueJet aircraft, violating Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations. NCAA spokesman, Michael Achimugu, stated that Ayinde’s behavior was a clear breach of aviation rules and called for a “comprehensive criminal investigation” into the matter, as well as appropriate prosecution under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 and all other relevant laws.
In a related move, the NCAA imposed a six-month ban on the singer, warning that any airline whether domestic or international that allows Ayinde to board will risk its license being revoked. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also condemned the singer’s actions, describing his attempt to obstruct the aircraft as “unacceptable and reprehensible.”
Incident Details
The trouble reportedly began when Ayinde was prevented from boarding a Lagos-bound flight due to carrying a flask containing alcoholic content, which he allegedly spilled on an aviation staffer. Following this incident, Ayinde became enraged and proceeded to block the moving aircraft on the tarmac, a move that caught the attention of airport staff and was captured in viral videos.
Keyamo, in a statement posted on social media, expressed support for the NCAA’s suspension of the ValueJet pilots involved in the incident but criticized what he called a “one-sided judgment.” While some agents close to the singer claimed the situation was simply a misunderstanding about alcohol, Keyamo emphasized that the core issue was Ayinde’s physical obstruction of the aircraft, which he likened to a “hostage situation.”
Keyamo further directed that Ayinde be placed on a “no-fly” list pending a full investigation. He warned airlines worldwide of the consequences of allowing the musician to board, threatening the potential withdrawal of their operating licenses for non-compliance with the directive.
Public Impact and Support for the Singer
Ayinde, a highly influential figure in Nigerian music, particularly in the southwest region where his fuji music is a major cultural staple, has a long-standing relationship with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His support for President Bola Tinubu and frequent performances at APC rallies, including the presidential inaugural ball in May 2023, have made him a prominent public figure. However, the recent airport incident has led to significant public backlash and heightened scrutiny of his actions.
The NCAA’s swift response, coupled with Keyamo’s condemnation, signals the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter, especially in the context of ensuring public safety and upholding aviation regulations.
