The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to hold musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam1, accountable for disrupting a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Lagos, NAAPE National President Galadima Abednego described the musician’s behavior as “crude, unruly, and an arrogant display” that provoked the ValueJet crew.
The incident resulted in the NCAA suspending the pilot and first officer due to what was characterized as a security breach on the tarmac prior to a Lagos-bound flight. Abednego emphasized that while the airline captain could have exercised better discretion, responsibility for the disturbance ultimately lies with Kwam1.
He called for a transparent investigation to determine liability and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
NAAPE urges the authorities to hold Kwam1 accountable and ensure he faces the full extent of the law to deter such behavior,” he stated.
The association also appealed to the NCAA to review its decision against the crew and to reinstate their licenses, highlighting their professionalism and unblemished records. Additionally, NAAPE appealed to ValueJet to continue supporting the affected staff.
The association praised the swift response of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NCAA Director-General, urging passengers to exercise restraint for the sake of safety.Meanwhile, the NCAA has blacklisted Kwam1 from domestic and international travel through Nigerian airports. The musician issued a public apology on Friday.