Fuji artiste, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has broken his silence on the incident involving him and a ValueJet Airline pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday, August 5, 2025.
KWAM 1, in a statement on Thursday, denied the allegations by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that he breached boarding protocols at the airport.
FAAN had accused KWAM 1 of attempting to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board the aeroplane despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the Flight Captain.
The airport authorities also said the 68-year-old spilled alcohol on aviation personnel when they attempted to verify the content of a flask he wanted to travel with.
However, Kwam 1, in a statement signed by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, said the incident was “not only exaggerated but also misleading.”
“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading,” the statement read in part.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalised — was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft. Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.
“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols.
“If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos — at no cost. Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.
“It must also be emphasised that K1 was the victim in this incident. No one else but him and his personal assistant was directly involved. A few concerned passengers who witnessed the incident firsthand appealed to him to remain calm, recognising the undue pressure he was under.”
Rasheed accused the suspended pilot of deflecting blame, alleging her actions endangered lives at the airport.
“In light of recent developments, it is important to note that the pilot involved now has her license suspended. Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up,” it added.
“More concerning, however, is that the pilot’s hasty and irrational decision did not only misrepresent the situation but also directly endangered the lives of K1 and those who were peacefully trying to resolve the issue. Such conduct, especially from someone entrusted with the responsibility of safely operating an aircraft, is deeply troubling and falls far below professional standards.”
Kwam 1 also called on the media and public to always endeavour to “avoid sensationalism” and base their judgments on facts rather than assumptions.
“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment,” the statement added.
“K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved.”
