NANS demands probe of KWAM 1, ValueJet over aviation breach

From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to probe the aviation incident involving popular Fuji musician and Olori Omo Oba of Ijebuland, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1.

NANS also urged the FG to thoroughly investigate the management of ValueJet Airline for its complicity in undermining aviation safety protocols, with a view to delivering appropriate sanctions against the airline operator.

KWAM 1 was reported by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to have attempted to board a ValueJet Airline flight from Abuja to Lagos on August 5, 2025, carrying a flask containing a liquid later identified as alcohol.

FAAN, in a statement dated August 6, 2025, signed by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said the musician was politely asked by Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the flight captain not to board the aircraft with the contents, but he vehemently refused.

The musician reportedly spilled the liquid on an aviation security officer and the flight captain when they insisted he could not board with a flask containing alcohol, citing Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17, which prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml in hand luggage unless medically necessary and declared.

The statement further noted that KWAM 1 stood in front of the aircraft to prevent it from taking off after being denied boarding and was escorted away from the tarmac by the AVSEC Crime Unit.

However, KWAM 1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, countered FAAN’s claims, stating the liquid was plain drinking water provided at the airport lounge, not alcohol, and that the musician did not endanger lives or breach safety protocols. Rasheed also claimed that airport officials, including FAAN, NCAA, and ValueJet’s top executives, apologised and offered a private jet to Lagos, which KWAM 1 declined.

Reacting to the incident, NANS, in a statement signed by its National Vice President on Inter-Campus and Gender Affairs, Akinbodunse Sileola, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, condemned the musician for breaching aviation security protocols at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Akinbodunse described KWAM 1’s behaviour as “uncouth and uncivilised”, calling on relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident. She noted it was appalling for KWAM 1, expected to be a moral compass and role model for Nigerian youth, to act in a manner unbefitting his global status.

NANS added that, as Olori Omo Oba of Ijebuland, KWAM 1 should have acted with the decorum, panache, and suaveness expected of an holder of an honourable traditional title, emphasising that his actions were out of place and should be condemned in totality.

The student body commended FAAN for its response but flayed ValueJet Airlines for suspending officials who adhered to safety protocols, including two pilots, as reported by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on August 5, 2025, for breaching pre-departure protocols.

While reiterating calls for probes, NANS stated, “NANS views the behaviour of a popular Fuji musician, KWAM 1, on the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport as reported by FAAN. Aviation, like other sectors, has its protocols and laws guiding its operations. It is quite appalling and unfortunate that a notable and famous musician could act in a manner unbefitting of his status.

“KWAM 1 is a respected and global entertainment icon and celebrity; hence, he is supposed to be a moral compass and an exemplary role model to the Nigerian youth. But his defiance and disregard for aviation security and safety protocols have portrayed him in a bad light.

“As an umbrella of all student associations, NANS hereby calls on civil society organisations to rise and condemn the attitude of the Fuji musician. Though a celebrity and close ally of the ruling party in the country, he should not be treated as a sacred cow. Rather, the incident involving him at the airport should be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate sanctions should be applied.

“We equally urge the Federal Government not to sweep the incident under the carpet but to act decisively and allow the law of the land to take its course on such an incident.

“Also, NANS condemns the suspension of the aviation staff by the owner of ValueJet Airlines over their prompt efforts to prevent a preventable aviation disaster. Rather than suspending the staff, they should be commended for following the aviation security and safety protocol, even when it involves a renowned personality.

“As a vanguard of the Rule of Law, NANS will be watching and monitoring how the appropriate authorities handle the incident. We will resist any action or attempt to treat the unfortunate incident with levity because of the personality involved.”