Renowned Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has denied allegations of misconduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
LEADERSHIP reports that FAAN, on Wednesday, confirmed that it had begun probing a security breach that occurred during the boarding procedures for ValueJet Flight VK 201 to Lagos on Monday, August 5, 2025.
According to a statement signed by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, KWAM 1 allegedly attempted to carry an “unidentified liquid substance” on board the aircraft, despite repeated warnings from aviation security personnel and the flight captain.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines. During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings,” Orah stated.
FAAN said the substance was contained in a flask and exceeded the 100ml limit allowed in hand luggage, in violation of international aviation security regulations.
“In accordance with international aviation security standards, specifically Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17, liquids exceeding 100ml are not permitted through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared,” the statement read.
FAAN alleged that when asked to step aside for further checks, KWAM 1 refused, and in the ensuing tension, spilled the contents of the flask which turned out to be alcohol on a security officer.
The statement also noted that the musician allegedly resisted the intervention of the flight captain and refused to vacate the front of the aircraft after boarding had closed.
“He was ultimately escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit for further investigation, after which he was released,” the statement added.
FAAN condemned the disruption, stating it “will not tolerate any action that compromises operational integrity or undermines aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved.”
However, in a swift rebuttal, KWAM 1’s camp dismissed the claims as exaggerated and misleading.
A statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, stated, “Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal displayed unruly conduct. We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading.”
Rasheed explained that the substance in the flask was “plain drinking water” given to the artiste at the airport lounge and denied any attempt to flout aviation rules.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations,” the statement read.
“Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.”
KWAM 1’s team further dismissed claims that he disrupted the flight or blocked the aircraft, saying he remained calm throughout the incident.
They also alleged that high-level airport officials, including the airline’s top executives, reached out to apologise and even offered him a private jet to Lagos, an offer he declined.
“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,” Rasheed said.
The statement also took a swipe at the flight captain, whose license has reportedly been suspended, accusing her of attempting 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 aide added.
KWAM 1’s camp concluded by urging the public to resist sensationalism and allow the investigation to proceed fairly.
“K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved.”
