Legal practitioner and author, Abdul Mahmud, has called on the Federal Government to prosecute Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate, over an alleged incident on an airport runway that he says endangered lives.
Mahmud, speaking on Thursday, argued that if the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, is enforced without bias, the musician could face life imprisonment or at least 10 years in jail. He cited Section 33 of the Act, which makes it a crime to take any action that jeopardises the safety of an aircraft in flight, taxiing, landing, or taking off.
The lawyer stressed that aviation safety violations are strict liability offences, meaning that proof of intent is not necessary — the act itself is enough to secure a conviction. He warned against downplaying the matter to a simple airport ban, insisting it involved both human safety and the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation system.
“This is a serious criminal matter, not an issue for token penalties,” Mahmud said. “The law is clear: the penalty is life imprisonment or not less than 10 years. Accountability and deterrence are essential here.”
What Happened
Reports indicate the alleged incident occurred on August 5 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving a ValueJet flight. Witnesses claim trouble began when Kwam 1 was spotted drinking from a personal flask on board.
Cabin crew, suspecting the flask contained alcohol — banned on domestic flights — asked him to hand it over. He reportedly refused, saying it contained medication prescribed by his doctor. When he declined to follow crew instructions, he was deboarded.
Eyewitnesses allege that in anger, the singer moved to the aircraft’s front, attempting to block its departure. As the plane began to taxi, both Kwam 1 and airport workers nearby had to quickly move to avoid being struck by its wings.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) later suspended two ValueJet pilots for taking off without clearance from the control tower.
In a statement, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), through its Public Affairs Director, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed the musician’s disruptive conduct and alleged that he spilled alcohol on aviation staff who were inspecting the flask.
Mahmud concluded that, if the allegations are proven, the singer should face the full legal consequences without special treatment.
