Super Eagles’ Flight to Uyo Delayed After Aircraft’s Windscreen Cracked Mid-Air.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ return to Uyo for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic was delayed after their aircraft developed a cr+cked windscreen mid-air.

The ValueJet Airline plane, which had earlier flown part of the team to Polokwane for the match against Lesotho, made an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, shortly after takeoff during a refuelling stop.

According to the NFF Communications Department, the pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers, and the aircraft landed safely back in Luanda without casualties.

The incident occurred as the team was heading home following a 2–1 away win over Lesotho, a result that boosted Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The victory lifted the Eagles to third place in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic (17) and South Africa (15).

The NFF stated that ValueJet, in coordination with the Federal Government, the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, is working urgently to secure permits for a replacement aircraft from Lagos to transport the delegation to Uyo.

Tuesday’s fixture is seen as a must-win for Nigeria. Only group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to the playoffs.

To keep their qualification hopes alive, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic and hope South Africa drops points in their final game. Anything less would end Nigeria’s bid to return to the world stage after missing Qatar 2022.

The clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is being viewed as a defining moment for the three-time African champions, who are determined to reclaim national pride and secure a place at FIFA 2026.

Lawyer Sues FG, NCAA for N500bn Over Alleged Special Treatment of KWAM1.

Public interest lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi has filed a N500 billion suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos, against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and others over alleged breaches of the rule of law in two aviation incidents involving musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) and passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson.

The suit, FHC/L/CS/1632/25, lists the President, Attorney-General of the Federation, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), NCAA, FAAN, Ibom Air, ValueJet, Nigerian Correctional Service, King Wasiu, Nigerian Police Force, Governor of Akwa Ibom, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria as respondents.

Addressing journalists, Ademiluyi said the action aims to “enforce accountability and protect the public interest,” stressing that the matter “transcends the personalities involved” and reflects “systemic d£cay” in the aviation sector.

“Our aviation system needs a complete overhauling. We cannot allow impunity to reign or degenerate into a banana republic where someone can stop a plane with their bare hands and walk away without consequence,” he said.

He accused authorities of failing to arrest or prosecute Kwam 1 while Emmanson faced swift sanctions. “It’s a gross imbalance… In fact, he was rewarded with a brand ambassadorship for the aviation sector.

What message does that send to the public?” Ademiluyi argued that appointing Kwam 1 as ambassador “sends the wrong signal” and alleged that Minister Keyamo acted “as if speaking for one of the airlines rather than enforcing the law.”

On the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s handling of the Emmanson case, he said the body acted as “complainant, prosecutor and judge” in imposing — then reversing — a life ban. “The central issue remains: Mr. Kwam 1 is walking the streets free. That is a big sl+p on the rule of law.” He urged the judiciary to set a precedent “that no one, regardless of influence or status, is above the law.”

Ibom Air: Comfort Emmanson’s Lawyer Speaks On Her Next Plan After Release From Kirikiri.

Her lawyer, Adefunke Maria, disclosed this on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, condemning the treatment her client received from the airline’s flight attendant, who allegedly blocked her from disembarking after a flight from Akwa Ibom to Lagos last Sunday.

Maria said, “On the way forward, whether Comfort will allow the sleeping dogs lie, she will inform us, we can’t disclose that online. She is a full-grown adult. If she is going to press civil charges for compensation, she will let us know. But for now, we can’t decide for her. She will revert.

“For now, she just needs to rest, put herself together.”

Viral videos showed Emmanson and a flight attendant engaging in a physical altercation as security officials tried to intervene. While many Nigerians criticised her aggressive reaction, others faulted the attendant for preventing her from leaving the aircraft.

Particular outrage was directed at the alleged indecent exposure Emmanson suffered during the confrontation with ground staff at the Lagos airport.

Maria accused the airline’s staff of filming the incident and leaking the footage online, an action she strongly condemned.

Emmanson was arrested at the airport, arraigned in court, and remanded in prison the same day. The speed of her prosecution fuelled accusations of selective justice, with calls for similar treatment of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as Kwam 1, who attempted to block a moving ValueJet aircraft in Abuja on August 5, 2025, but was not prosecuted.

On August 13, 2025, Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, ordered that all charges against Emmanson be dropped, leading to her release. He also directed airline operators to lift the lifetime flying ban imposed on her.

Despite her release, social media users continue to urge her to seek legal redress. For now, her lawyer says she is taking time to rest and “put herself together” before deciding on her next move.

JUST IN: Federal govt reduces Kwam 1’s flight ban.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has announced that Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as Kwam 1, will have his flight ban reduced to one month by the NCAA following his unruly behaviour at a ValueJet flight.

Keyamo stated that FAAN will collaborate with the music star to engage him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocols going forward.

Keyamo also confirmed that the NCAA has withdrawn its criminal complaints against Kwam 1 after he publicly demonstrated remorse for his conduct.

He said the decisions are part of broader measures to ensure aviation safety while recognising penitence and promoting public awareness of proper conduct in Nigeria’s airports.

“These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

“We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies,” he added.

PRESS STATEMENT: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS

1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent.

2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space.

3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability.
5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached:

THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

(a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.

(b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week.

(c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently. THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1)

(d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.
(e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police.

(f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA.

AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

FINAL COMMENTS
8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved.

9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies.

FESTUS KEYAMO

Nigerian Govt explains different treatment for Comfort Emmanson, Kwam 1.

The Federal Government has explained the reason why Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger who allegedly assaulted Ibom Air crew members, was remanded while Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde, a.k.a Kwam 1, who reportedly disrupted a ValueJet flight in Abuja last week, faced no such court action.

DAILY POST recalls that the Ibom Air incident, which occurred on the Uyo–Lagos route on Sunday, has triggered public outrage and accusations of selective justice.

However, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Mike Achimugu, said the two incidents were different.

“There is no comparison here; it’s not a case of oranges and oranges. In the Kwam1 incident, the airline did not activate its rights to take the passenger to court, so the NCAA did what it was supposed to do by petitioning the authorities to petition the passenger.

“In the Ibom Air incident, maybe because their staff had been assaulted, the airline immediately activated its right to take up the matter, and it went to court,” he said.

According to him, the NCAA was not directly involved in Emmanson’s case, whereas in Kwam 1’s situation, the Authority issued an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, to ban the musician from flights.

He revealed that contrary to earlier reports, Kwam 1 was not placed on a six-month ban but on an indefinite ban pending the outcome of investigations.

Achimugu, while explaining why Emmanson was placed on a no-fly life ban, said airline operators have the legal authority to take such action.

Singer K1 De Ultimate Apologises Over Airport Incident, Denies Alcohol Allegation.

Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has issued a formal apology following an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

In a statement personally signed by the veteran singer, K1 expressed deep regret over the misunderstanding, which sparked reports suggesting he had attempted to board a flight with alc%hol in his flask. He, however, firmly denied the claim, clarifying that the flask contained only water due to a medical condition.

“Unknown to many, I s¥ffer from chronic dehydration and have been medically advised to stay constantly hydrated. The flask I carried that day contained only water not alc%hol as speculated,” he explained. According to the singer, the flask was empty during two rounds of security checks and was only filled with water at the airport lounge before proceeding to the tarmac.

He further noted that he had not boarded the aircraft at the time of the incident. While insisting he had no intention to disrupt airport protocols or cause emb@rrassment, K1 apologised to all parties concerned, including the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ValueJet, and his global fanbase.

“I deeply regret any concern this incident may have caused. My loyalty to Nigeria and commitment to upholding its image remain steadfast. I would never do anything to tarnish the reputation I’ve built over the past five decades,” he added.

K1 reaffirmed his dedication to promoting Nigerian culture and music worldwide and expressed appreciation to those who reached out with concern and support during the controversy.

Abuja Airport Drama: ValueJet Pilot Speaks Out on KWAM 1’s Onboard Clash, NCAA Issues Suspensions

ValueJet pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, has broken her silence over a tense encounter with Fuji music legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) at Abuja Airport — an incident that has sparked heated safety concerns in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Reports indicated that KWAM 1 had a near-miss with one of ValueJet’s aircraft, triggering public alarm. Following the controversy, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended both Capt. Ogoyi and co-pilot Ivan Oloba for allegedly violating aviation safety protocols — though details remain sketchy. In a separate action, KWAM 1 was banned from flying locally for six months.

In her statement, Capt. Ogoyi — daughter of a politician from Osun State — detailed how the drama began when KWAM 1 approached the aircraft holding a gold flask. Ground staff suspected it contained alcohol, which is prohibited onboard in Nigeria.

According to her, the singer refused inspection, allegedly snapping, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.” The situation escalated when, without warning, KWAM 1 poured the flask’s contents on her, security officers, and some passengers.

Security officials advised against allowing him on board, a decision Ogoyi supported. After a short delay to remove him from the vicinity, she proceeded with the flight to Lagos.

This incident has ignited debate on passenger conduct, crew authority, and flight safety enforcement in Nigeria.

#AviationNews #KWAM1 #ValueJet #FlightSafety #AbujaAirport #BreakingNews #NCAA #TravelAlerts

Drama at Abuja Airport: ValueJet Pilot Speaks Out on KWAM 1 Incident

ValueJet pilot Captain Oluranti Ogoyi has given a detailed account of a heated encounter with legendary Fuji star King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) at the Abuja airport, an incident that sparked safety concerns and led to disciplinary actions.

Reports claimed KWAM 1 had a close brush with one of ValueJet’s aircraft, prompting the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend Capt. Ogoyi and her co-pilot, Flight Officer Ivan Oloba, for alleged breaches of aviation safety protocols — though the exact violations remain unclear. Separately, KWAM 1 received a six-month flight ban within Nigeria.

According to Capt. Ogoyi, the incident began when KWAM 1 approached the aircraft carrying a gold flask. Ground staff, suspecting it contained alcohol, requested to inspect it — a standard safety measure. The singer allegedly refused, saying, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.”

She claims the situation escalated when KWAM 1 poured the flask’s contents on her, security personnel, and nearby passengers. Airport security intervened, and the Head of Security advised that he be barred from boarding. Ogoyi agreed, citing passenger safety as her priority.

After the delay and removal of the musician from the boarding area, Ogoyi resumed the flight to Lagos, departing at 8:50 a.m..

#ValueJet #KWAM1 #AviationSafety #BreakingNews #NigeriaNews #AirportDrama #FlightSafety

NCAA Slams 6-Month Flight Ban on Singer KWAM1 Over Airport Security Breach

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has imposed a six-month flight ban on Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM1, over a breach of airport security protocols.

The disciplinary action stems from a recent altercation involving the musician, ground personnel at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, and pilots from ValueJet airline.

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday.

As a result, KWAM1 will not be allowed to board or travel through any airport within Nigeria for the duration of the ban.

Temporary Loss Of Sanity’ – FG Breaks Silence On Airport Incident.

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has reacted to an airport incident involving ValueJet airline and popular musician, Ayinde Marshall, also known as K1 de Ultimate or Kwam 1.

Naija News recalls that on August 5, the NCAA suspended two ValueJet pilots over a safety breach that occurred at the same airport terminal.

The preliminary findings revealed that the pilots initiated departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance, a violation that posed serious risks to ground personnel and other airport users.

The breach reportedly followed a commotion onboard the flight, allegedly caused by Kwam 1’s conduct.

The Fuji icon was seen drinking from a flask aboard the aircraft. A flight attendant intervened, suspecting the liquid was alcohol, a banned substance on Nigerian flights.

In its official statement, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said Kwam 1 attempted to board the aircraft with an unidentified liquid despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the flight captain.

Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Keyamo stated that the incident was a case of temporary loss of sanity and control on both sides which could have led to serious fatalities.

He described the physical blockage of the aircraft from taxiing as a reprehensible conduct which is akin to a hostage situation.

His statement reads: “I have received reports from all the relevant Aviation agencies regarding the altercation between the staff and crew of ValueJet and Kwam 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 7, 2025. I have also received video footages of the incident.