The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has condemned the recent airport altercation involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1, warning that his actions could be classified as terrorism in many countries.
Speaking on ARISE News on Sunday, NCAA’s Director of Consumer Affairs, Michael Achimugu, said the incident breached standard aviation protocols and posed serious safety risks.
According to Achimugu, the confrontation began when K1 attempted to board a flight carrying a liquid container above the 100ml limit — a global aviation security standard. “The passenger was informed by security officials that he could not board with liquid exceeding the permitted volume. Instead of complying, he became agitated and proceeded toward the aircraft,” Achimugu explained.
He alleged that K1 splashed liquid on the pilot’s uniform before the flight, an act he described as unacceptable anywhere in the world. “At some airports, raising your voice at airline staff alone can get you barred from boarding. Here, we have a case where liquid was thrown at the pilot, and the passenger allegedly tried to stop the aircraft from taking off — that is a very, very serious crime,” he said.
On K1’s claim that the flask he carried was empty during security checks but later filled in the VIP lounge for medical reasons, Achimugu stressed that it did not justify breaching aviation rules. “Even if you got the water from the lounge, you cannot board with liquid above the allowed volume. There’s water available on the aircraft. The first responsibility of any passenger is to obey airport officials’ instructions,” he stated.
He added, “In most jurisdictions, preventing an aircraft from taking off is considered terrorism. There’s nothing that excuses it.”
Achimugu explained that the pilot’s temporary suspension was a routine investigative step, not a punishment, to ensure a thorough inquiry into the incident. “We will investigate the entire chain of events, including whether ground staff followed proper procedure. Anyone found culpable will be held accountable,” he assured.
The NCAA has already sent petitions to the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General, while also notifying the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
“The world is watching how we handle this case,” Achimugu warned, noting that the incident will test Nigeria’s ability to uphold international aviation safety standards and prevent future breaches.
