The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the temporary blacklisting of renowned Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, from all domestic flights for six months following an alleged breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, confirmed the action during a press briefing. He stated that the disciplinary measure follows K1’s reported unruly conduct during the boarding of a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025.
“The passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months from flying in Nigeria,” Achimugu declared, adding that the agency is pursuing legal redress through the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police.
Achimugu emphasized that aviation safety rules are globally enforced and that no individual — regardless of status — would be spared from accountability.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has also directed that the singer be placed on a national no-fly list pending the outcome of a full investigation. Keyamo, in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, revealed that both K1 and the aircraft crew violated safety regulations, resulting in a potentially dangerous scenario.
“From all the details received so far, my preliminary impression is that it was a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides,” Keyamo said. “Contrary to what K1’s camp claims, he physically obstructed the aircraft from taxiing — a conduct akin to a hostage situation.”
He warned that celebrity status would not exempt anyone from facing the consequences of disruptive behavior in aviation zones.
Earlier, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) launched a probe into the incident. According to FAAN, K1 attempted to board with a liquid-filled flask exceeding the 100ml limit, a violation of international aviation rules. The contents, initially disputed, were later confirmed as alcohol, and were allegedly spilled on a security official during a heated exchange.
The ValueJet flight in question (VK 201) was bound for Lagos when the incident occurred.
In response, K1 de Ultimate, through his media aide Kunle Rasheed, denied any misconduct, insisting the flask contained water and that the situation was exaggerated by onlookers. He also claimed that top airport officials later apologized and even offered a private jet to transport him as a gesture of goodwill.
“K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with authorities. We urge the media to refrain from sensationalism and allow the facts to speak for themselves,” the statement read.
The investigation remains ongoing, but the directive from the aviation ministry makes clear that regulatory bodies are prioritizing safety above celebrity privilege.
