A domestic flight from Abuja to Lagos operated by ValueJet experienced significant delays and disruption on Thursday morning following an incident involving popular Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.
The pilot in command of Flight VK201, Captain Ranti Ogoyi, provided a detailed account of the incident, which occurred during boarding at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to Captain Ogoyi, boarding commenced promptly at 8:10 am when KWAM 1 approached the aircraft at approximately 08:15 to 08:20 am, carrying a gold flask containing an unknown liquid.
“As part of standard boarding procedures, ground staff requested to verify the content of the flask,” said the pilot. “However, Mr. Ayinde vehemently refused, despite suspicions that the flask contained alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.”
The Fuji legend, reportedly drinking from the flask, became uncooperative and responded defiantly, saying, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.”
As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security officials insisted on compliance, but he became increasingly confrontational, causing what the pilot described as a “disruption.”
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In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Captain Ogoyi said she personally exited the cockpit to engage KWAM 1 calmly. But what followed was unexpected.
“Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers,” Captain Ogoyi said. “Following this assault, airport security intervened.”
Due to the severity of the incident, the Head of Security at the airport advised that KWAM 1 should not be allowed to board. The captain concurred, citing safety concerns for passengers and crew.
After the aircraft doors were shut, KWAM 1 reportedly remained near the aircraft, obstructing its movement. The pilot had to make a public announcement to inform passengers of the delay while security personnel worked to clear the area.
The flight eventually departed for Lagos at approximately 08:50 am — nearly 40 minutes behind schedule.
“This incident caused significant delay, disruption, and posed safety risks to passengers, crew, and the operation of the flight,” Captain Ogoyi concluded.
As of the time of this report, neither KWAM 1 nor his representatives have issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Aviation authorities are expected to investigate the matter further to determine if any regulations were breached and whether punitive measures will be taken.
