…as KWAM 1 accuses FAAN of lies, says he was victim of airport incident.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has denied allegations that he violated airport security protocols during an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja earlier this week.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had on Wednesday announced a formal investigation into a reported altercation involving the music legend and airport security personnel at the domestic terminal on Tuesday, August 5.
According to FAAN’s preliminary report, the incident involved an attempt by the musician to board a ValueJet flight (VK 201) to Lagos while allegedly carrying an unidentified liquid substance.
In a statement, FAAN claimed the musician defied multiple warnings from both Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and the flight captain, and insisted on taking the liquid on board, in violation of aviation safety regulations that prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml.
“Upon being informed of the rule, the passenger reportedly refused to comply,” FAAN said. “He then allegedly poured the liquid – later discovered to be alcohol on a security officer.
When the flight captain intervened, she was also met with resistance. The passenger refused to vacate the boarding area and had to be escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit.”
However, in a swift and strongly worded response, KWAM 1 denied the accusations, calling FAAN’s version of events “exaggerated” and “misleading.” The rebuttal was issued through his Media Aide, Kunle Rasheed.
“At no point did KWAM 1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations,” the statement read. “The liquid in question was plain drinking water, handed to him at the airport lounge. Despite calmly trying to clarify the situation, it was unnecessarily escalated.”
The statement dismissed claims that KWAM 1 obstructed flight operations, emphasizing that he was respectful throughout the encounter. It further revealed that senior officials of FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and executives from the airline later reached out to the musician to offer apologies and even arranged a private jet to transport him to Lagos at no cost.
“Despite the persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, KWAM 1 graciously declined the offer,” it noted, portraying the artist not as an aggressor but a victim of an overblown situation.
The statement also raised serious questions about the conduct of the flight’s captain, claiming her license has now been suspended and suggesting that she may be attempting to deflect blame.
“The pilot involved now has her license suspended. It is no surprise if she tries to lie to cover herself,” it stated, urging both the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and “let the truth, not assumptions prevail.”
KWAM 1, a globally respected figure in the Nigerian music industry, reiterated his commitment to complying with aviation laws and pledged to continue cooperating with authorities to bring the matter to a fair resolution.
As FAAN’s investigation continues, the incident has sparked public debate on celebrity treatment at Nigerian airports, airport security protocols, and the need for transparency from all parties involved.
