Keyamo to Airlines: Fly KWAM 1 and Lose Your License

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo declared that any airline, domestic or international, that carries Fuji music legend KWAM 1 (Wasiu Ayinde Marshall) will face suspension or revocation of its operating license.

This comes after KWAM 1’s disruptive incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which Keyamo described as “akin to a hostage situation.

On August 5, 2025, KWAM 1 allegedly obstructed an airline from taxiing, moving deliberately in front of the plane while it attempted to depart.

Despite what his representatives claimed, Keyamo emphasized that whether he carried water or alcohol was irrelevant; what mattered was the reckless act of preventing the aircraft from taking off.

Keyamo condemned the behavior as “totally unacceptable,” pointing out that even the pilots improperly began taxiing while KWAM 1 was blocking the path, a clear breach of safety protocols.

Punishments Enforced

• No-fly designation for KWAM 1: He has been temporarily banned from flying, not just domestically, but internationally, until further notice.
  
• License suspensions: The NCAA suspended the licenses of the airline pilot and co-pilot involved in the incident.
  
• Warning to airlines: Keyamo warned that any airline that disobeys the directive risks having its operating license withdrawn.

This incident underscores the zero-tolerance policy toward unruly behavior in aviation. By extending the consequences to airlines that defy the directive, Keyamo has signaled that no individual is above aviation safety laws. The sweeping action, the blacklisting of KWAM 1 and potential license revocations, reflects an industry-wide push to uphold discipline and protect public safety. 

KWAM 1’s conduct doesn’t merely reflect a personal lapse; it sent shockwaves through aviation regulation. With airlines now on notice that their compliance reflects not only on their brand but also on the law, this incident sets a critical precedent. In aviation, rules must be respected, no exceptions.