It was anything but a smooth boarding at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday, 5 August, when veteran Fuji star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal – better known as K1 De Ultimate – found himself at the centre of a full-blown aviation security incident.
The trouble started during boarding for ValueJet Flight VK 201 to Lagos. Airport security say K1 tried to carry a flask of alcohol onto the plane – far above the 100ml liquid limit allowed in hand luggage under Nigerian and international aviation rules.
When challenged, he reportedly claimed it was medication but refused to give further details. Things escalated quickly. According to witnesses, K1 allegedly poured the drink over an aviation security officer during the argument, before moving to the front of the aircraft and refusing to leave when asked by the captain and crew.
Then came the most dangerous moment. A video released by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) shows K1 standing in front of the aircraft on the tarmac as it began to taxi. He was forced to duck under the wing to avoid being hit – a serious safety breach that could have ended far worse.
Security eventually escorted him away for questioning. He was later released, and no one was injured.
The drama didn’t end there. The NCAA suspended the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, for starting departure without proper clearance – a direct breach of safety procedures. Both the NCAA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) are now running separate investigations. FAAN has condemned the incident, warning that anyone found guilty of breaching aviation safety rules will face legal action.
Clips of the incident have been widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), sparking debate about disruptive behaviour at Nigerian airports and how it should be handled.
Liquids over 100ml are banned in carry-on luggage unless for declared medical reasons – rules set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Nigeria’s own security programme. FAAN says the policy is there for everyone’s safety, and it will not be relaxed.
Authorities are looking at stricter passenger screening, better training for security staff, and fresh public awareness campaigns to prevent a repeat of such incidents.
