What NCAA’s ‘No-fly’ list, six-month flight ban mean for KWAM 1 — other options

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) recently placed a six-month ban on popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, otherwise known as KWAM1, over alleged misconduct.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing.

‎“What I must assure the general public is that everybody involved in this will be brought to book.

‎“As we speak, the passenger is going to be blacklisted for the next six months flying in Nigeria,” he said.

The suspension follows the Fuji icon’s altercation with staff and crew of ValueJet at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday, where he was alleged to have obstructed the aircraft from taxiing for takeoff.

The incident, which has been described by many as a near-death experience for the music star, has continued to generate various reactions, with netizens apportioning blame to all parties involved.

Following the ban, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, threatened to withdraw the operating licence of any airline that flies KWAM1 during the period of ban. 

Keyamo, who noted that the act of allegedly blocking a taxiing aircraft by KWAM1 is akin to a hostage situation, said he directed the NCAA to place the Fuji star on a no-fly list pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

ALSO READ: FG threatens to revoke licence of any airline that flies Wasiu Ayinde

With the ‘Talozo ‘84’ crooner who is known for touring nationwide and abroad for performances now suspended from travelling, Tribune Online takes a look at what the suspension means for the music star and his available travel options.

What the Suspension Means:

Flying Ban

This means that KWAM1 is now prohibited from flying within Nigeria for six months. This ban, imposed by the NCAA, means he cannot board any commercial flights operating within the country during this period.

No-Fly List

Apart from the six-month ban, the Fuji icon has also been placed on a no-fly list. A no-fly list is a list of individuals who are prohibited from boarding commercial aircraft. This means that KWAM1 can no longer travel within and outside Nigeria via commercial aircraft until further notice.

Travel Options During Suspension:

Given the ban, KWAM1 would need to explore alternative modes of transportation within Nigeria during the six-month suspension.

Road Travel

The music star can choose to travel around Nigeria by road, which gives him a lot of flexibility.

Trains

Trains are another possibility for getting between cities and might be a more relaxed way to travel.

Water

For some destinations, especially in coastal areas, he might even be able to use boats or ferries.

Air Travel Through Neighbouring Countries

Another possible option for KWAM1 is to travel by road to neighbouring countries such as Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, or Niger, where the Nigerian no-fly directive may not apply. From there, he could board international flights to his destination and also return by flight to the same country or another neighboring country, before returning to Nigeria via the road.

Can KWAM1 Travel via Private Jets or Helicopters?

While it was not explicitly stated by the Aviation Minister whether the ban applies to private jets or helicopters, it is worth noting that private jets and helicopters are subject to similar screening as commercial planes. Operators are required to submit passenger manifests and obtain clearance from aviation authorities, which means anyone placed on a no-fly list might find it difficult to board private jets or helicopters.

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