The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has stated that the recent actions of popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, at an airport could be considered an act of terrorism in many countries.
Speaking on Arise TV, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mike Achimugu, condemned the singer’s alleged disruption of a ValueJet flight from taking off.
“Your first responsibility at the airport is to respect and obey instructions from the officials on ground. The passenger has not done that,” Achimugu said. “What he did in most climes is considered terrorism. You cannot stop an aircraft from taking off. There is nothing that excuses it.”
He said the NCAA would investigate how Ayinde gained access to the restricted area where the incident occurred, stressing that everyone found culpable would face consequences. The probe will involve the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security Service (AVSEC), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“Did the air traffic control clear the pilot to fly, seeing that it was not safe for her to proceed? All of these questions will be answered during the investigation,” he added.
On August 7, the NCAA petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the incident, which happened during a scheduled ValueJet flight VK201. The authority alleged that Ayinde’s actions violated the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Fuji star has since been placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of the investigation.