Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Affairs at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has stressed that passengers must always comply with airport security directives, warning that the actions of musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1, would be classified as terrorism in many countries.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Achimugu said, “The passenger has presented himself for boarding and has been told by the pathfinders that he cannot be allowed to board with liquid above 100 ml, which is standard globally.”
He said K1 became agitated, refused to follow instructions, and “proceeds towards the foot of the aircraft… splashed liquid on the body of the pilot, on the uniform of the pilot.”
According to him, “unruly passenger behavior is not acceptable anywhere in the world. In fact, at some airports… the moment you raise your voice at airline staff, you will not be allowed to board.”
Achimugu noted that the pilot exercised discretion to deny boarding and depart as scheduled, adding that K1 then attempted to stop the plane from taking off — a serious offense.
“Of course, in anger, the passenger has tried to stop the aircraft from taking off, which is in itself a very, very serious crime.
On K1’s claim that the flask he carried was empty at security but later filled in the lounge due to a medical condition, Achimugu stated,
“If you got water from the VIP lounge, it is still not a right to board the flight with that water above… the allowable volume. There’s water in the aircraft… Your first responsibility at airport is respect and obey instructions from the officials on ground. The passenger has not done that. What he did in most claims is considered terrorism. You cannot stop an aircraft from taking off. There’s nothing that excuses it.”
He clarified that the pilot’s suspension was standard procedure, “It’s not punishment. It’s for investigative purposes.”
Achimugu stressed that investigations would determine fault, including whether ground personnel followed protocol, and confirmed petitions had been sent to the Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General.
“As of this moment, we cannot say definitely… everybody that is culpable down the entire line will be brought to book.”
He added that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) would focus on how Nigerian authorities handle the incident and prevent future occurrences.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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