THE Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has blacklisted popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, widely known as K1 De Ultimate, from flying within Nigeria for six months over an alleged breach of security protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this on Thursday, August 7, at a press briefing.
He assured the public that everybody involved in the scandal would be brought to book.
“As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months from flying in Nigeria, Achimugu said.
Aviation rules are global and made for the safety of all, he said, adding that no individual would be exempted from accountability.
He further disclosed that the agency was writing to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to initiate legal proceedings against the musician.
Wasiu Ayinde speaks out, says he held water, not alcohol at airport
Meanwhile, K1 De Ultimate has denied allegations by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that he breached security protocols the Abuja Airport.
Recall that FAAN, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 6, signed by the FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, accused the musician of breaching airport security when he reportedly tried to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos, allegedly with a flask of alcohol, violating aviation security regulations that prohibit liquids over 100 ml in hand luggage.
The FAAN said when security personnel and the flight captain warned him, K1 De Ultimate reportedly refused to comply, spilt the liquid on an officer, and resisted intervention.
The organisation added that preliminary investigations confirmed that the musician was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201).
“During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security personnel and the flight captain,” FAAN stated.
The regulatory agency said in accordance with international aviation security standards, specifically Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annexe 17, liquids exceeding 100 ml are not permitted through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared.
The FAAN said it would not tolerate any action that compromised operational integrity or undermined aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved.
It also assured the public that all parties found culpable would be held accountable according to the law.
However, responding to the allegation in a statement released by Kunle Rasheed, his media assistant, the musician said the incident was “not only exaggerated but also misleading”.
He argued that the substance was “plain drinking water” given to him at the airport lounge while awaiting boarding and “not alcohol”.
Ayinde stressed that he “adhered to protocols” and sought to clarify the misunderstanding ‘peacefully,’ but it was ‘unnecessarily escalated.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalised — was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft. Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.
“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” K1 De Ultimate stated.
The musician said that if he had misbehaved, top officials from FAAN, NCAA, and the airline wouldn’t have apologised and offered a private jet to fly him to Lagos.
He claimed that he was the victim and that the suspended pilot was the one who endangered lives.
“In light of recent developments, it is important to note that the pilot involved now has her license suspended. Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up,” said.
He added that the pilot’s decision was not only misguided but also endangered the lives of K1 and others trying to resolve the issue.
He urged the media and public to “avoid sensationalism” and base judgments on facts rather than assumptions.
He also asserted his integrity, emphasising cooperation with authorities to resolve the matter.
A reporter with the ICIR
A Journalist with a niche for quality and a promoter of good governance