Captain Ranti, pilot in command of Flight VK201 from Abuja to Lagos, has given a detailed account of how popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM1), allegedly disrupted the scheduled trip after refusing to comply with airport security procedures.
According to the pilot, boarding began on time at 8:10 a.m. when KWAM1 approached the aircraft carrying a gold flask of unknown content. Ground staff, following standard protocol, asked to inspect the flask, but he refused.
“He was seen drinking from the flask, and the ground staff suspected it contained alcohol, which is prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria,” Capt. Ranti said. “Instead, he retorted, ‘Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.’”
Security personnel repeated that he could not board without the inspection, but the musician allegedly became confrontational, causing a scene. In an attempt to calm the situation, Capt. Ranti left the cockpit to speak with him directly.
“Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers,” the pilot recounted. “Airport security then intervened, and the Head of Security advised that he should not be allowed to fly due to his behaviour. I agreed, prioritising passenger and crew safety.”
After the aircraft doors were shut, KWAM1 was still lingering near the plane, obstructing movement. Capt. Ranti said he had to make a public announcement explaining the delay while security moved him away. The flight eventually departed for Lagos at 8:50 a.m.
“This incident caused significant delay, disruption, and posed safety risks to passengers, crew, and the flight operation,” Capt. Ranti stated.
Credit: Olatinwo Adedayo