Popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1, has denied allegations of misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This comes as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) launches a full-scale investigation into an incident involving the singer during boarding procedures for a ValueJet flight to Lagos.
According to FAAN, the altercation happened on Monday, August 5, 2025, while passengers were boarding Flight VK 201 operated by ValueJet Airlines. The agency claimed KWAM 1 attempted to carry a flask containing an unidentified liquid onto the flight, in violation of aviation security regulations that prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml in hand luggage unless properly declared.
In a statement signed by Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the agency said its preliminary investigations confirmed that the musician was warned repeatedly by both Aviation Security personnel and the flight captain not to board with the liquid. Despite this, he allegedly refused to comply and became confrontational.
“During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings… [He] refused to step aside for further checks and reportedly spilled the contents of the flask, which turned out to be alcohol, on the airline security officer,” the statement said.
The flight captain, a female pilot, was said to have intervened, but she also reportedly faced resistance. According to FAAN, the musician moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area, forcing the airline to close the aircraft door and call in the Aviation Security (AVSEC) crime unit.
FAAN emphasised that the situation posed a serious threat to aviation safety and pledged that those found culpable would be dealt with according to the law. “The Authority will not tolerate any action that compromises operational integrity or undermines aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved,” the statement read.
However, KWAM 1 has come out strongly to reject FAAN’s version of the incident. In a separate statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, the musician described the allegations as misleading and exaggerated.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) displayed unruly conduct while attempting to board a ValueJet flight on August 5. We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading,” the statement said.
According to Rasheed, the substance that triggered the confrontation was not alcohol but plain drinking water, given to KWAM 1 at the airport lounge while he awaited boarding. He claimed the veteran artiste tried to explain this, but the situation was unnecessarily escalated.
He also denied that KWAM 1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt airport operations, insisting that the singer has a long record of observing aviation protocols, both within and outside Nigeria.
“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded. If there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, senior officials including the Head of Airport Security, the Managing Director of the airline, and even the Chairman, would not have reached out to apologise and offer a private jet to fly him to Lagos — at no cost,” the statement added.
Rasheed further claimed that KWAM 1 turned down the private jet offer and opted instead to stay calm, despite the incident drawing attention from other passengers.
He also alleged that the pilot involved in the matter has since had her license suspended, suggesting that she may be trying to shift blame. “Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up,” the statement said.
The KWAM 1 camp has called on the media and public to avoid jumping to conclusions and to wait for the full facts to emerge through proper investigation. They also reiterated the musician’s willingness to cooperate with relevant authorities to resolve the matter responsibly.
FAAN, meanwhile, says the probe is ongoing, and all actions taken will be in line with Nigerian aviation laws and international safety protocols.
