Aviation Violation: Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority petitions Inspector General of Police, demand prosecution of Wasiu Ayinde
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate and prosecute Wasiu Ayinde, a popular fuji musician known as KWAM 1 over aviation violation
Penpushing reports that it would be recalled that Ayinde on Tuesday reportedly disrupted flight operations while trying to board ValueJet domestic flight VK201 in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to Lagos.
The agency in a petition addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
Penpushing further reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in the petition cited preliminary reports on the incident, explaining that Ayinde’s behaviour raised concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety protocols.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the agency Michael Achimugu, it is recalled on Thursday said the musician was allegedly involved in actions that violate the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations and standard operational procedures.
Penpushing also reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in the statement said pending the compilation of the full details of the incident, expressed its resolve to uphold aviation safety standards and ensure accountability, regardless of the parties involved.
The spokesperson of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Obiageli Orah in the same vein, had in a statement accused the musician of violating aviation regulations while boarding ValueJet Flight VK 201 to Lagos.
Penpushing reports that the statement alleged that Ayinde brought an alcoholic beverage onto the flight, raising concern from a flight attendant who reminded him that alcohol consumption is prohibited on domestic flights.
The authorities explained that when the musician was asked to surrender the flask, allegedly refused, insisting it contained prescribed medication, adding that the disagreement escalated, leading to his removal from the aircraft.
Penpushing further reports that on Thursday, the spokesperson of the musician, Kunle Rasheed, in reaction to the incident described the allegations as exaggerated and misleading, stating that his boss never endangered lives or breached safety regulations.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, however, on Thursday, confirmed that he directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)to place the 68-year-old musician on a no-fly list.
Penpushing also reports that Keyamo emphasized that the video evidence showed Ayinde repeatedly obstructing a commercial aircraft from taxiing to the runway, describing the altercation between Ayinde and flight and airport officials as a temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides, and warned that such an incident could have resulted in fatalities.
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