‘K1, ValueJet officials breached safety protocol’: Keyamo speaks on Abuja airport incident

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says veteran Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate, and the officials of ValueJet breached standard safety protocol at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

Keyamo, who disclosed that he had reviewed reports and video footage from relevant aviation agencies, said both the musician and the aircraft crew acted in ways that breached safety protocols.

The minister made this known via a statement issued on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Keyamo also disclosed that he has directed that K1 be placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

He stated: “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.

“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.

“The issue of whether he was carrying water or alcohol is not even in issue at this point. It is the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing that is the reprehensible conduct here which akin to a hostage situation. The actual video footage showing this recalcitrant behaviour is hereby attached.

NCAA to blacklist K1 for 6 months

“On the other hand, no amount of provocation should make the Captain and Pilot of an aircraft begin to taxi without ensuring that the security personnel have safely moved an unruly passenger away that is standing in front of an aircraft.

“Both sides breached standard safety protocol as required by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). “

Keyamo, while commending the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for suspending the license of the Captain and the Pilot, added that he has directed the NCAA to place K1 on a no-fly list.

Keyamo stated: “What applies to the goose must also to the gander. That is one of the tenets of Justice I have preached all my life. I will not sit idly by and allow this to pass.

“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 risk withdrawal of their operating licence.”

The Star