The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mike Achimugu, has warned that preventing an aircraft from taking off can be classified as an act of terrorism.
Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday about the recent altercation involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, Achimugu stressed that passengers must always show courtesy and follow instructions from airport officials.
“Your first responsibility at the airport is respect and obey instructions from the officials on ground. The passenger (KWAM 1) has not done that,” he said.
He emphasised that such conduct is a serious offence internationally.
“What he (Kwam 1) did in most climes is considered terrorism. You cannot stop an aircraft from taking off. There is nothing that excuses it,” Achimugu stated.
Kwam 1: NCAA says investigations ongoing
The NCAA spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to determine how the musician gained access to the restricted area, adding that all those involved would face consequences.
The inquiry will involve agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Aviation Security Service (AVSEC), and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
“Did the air traffic control clear the pilot to fly seeing that it was not safe for her to proceed? All of these questions will be answered during the course of the investigation,” he added.
On August 7, the NCAA petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to probe the incident involving ValueJet airline and KWAM 1.
According to the authority, the Fuji star’s alleged actions during flight VK201 breached Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations.
Kwam 1 has since been placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of the investigation.
