By Akinwale Kasali
Following the controversy that has trailed the alleged unruly behaviour of Veteran Juju Musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popular as KWAM 1 at the Local Airport of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which led to the abortion of his trip, subsequent ban from flying through any Nigerian Airport for six months, and the suspension of two Pilots, the Musician is pleading innocence.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, in its statement however established that KWAM 1 was boarding the aircraft with alcohol, which, according to aviation rule, is prohibited for any passenger on a commercial flight.
However, following the “near-death” experience of the Musician on the Tarmac of Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja where he was almost crushed by the angry Captain due to the alleged unruly behavior, the licenses of the Captain and co-Pilot have been temporarily withdrawn while investigation continues.
Exonerating himself, the Singer in a statement by his Media Aide, Kunle Rasheed, debunked claims of his unruly conduct against the ValueJet staff and airport officials.
Rasheed labelled FAAN’s narrative of the incident as not only exaggerated but misleading.
He maintained that K1 De Ultimate never acted in a way that endangered lives while also ruling out the claim that the singer attempted to obstruct the movement of the aircraft.
The statement read in part:
“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, 2025, allegedly causing a breach of aviation protocol.
“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalized — 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.
“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment.
“K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved.”
KWAM 1 however risks prosecution for terrorism
Michael Achimugu, Spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, revealed that the actions of KWAM 1 fall within terrorism offences under the aviation law.
“Nigeria’s civil aviation regulations are designed to implement ICAO Annex 17 standards. Deliberately preventing or disrupting a flight operation—even by a passenger—is automatically treated as unlawful interference and falls within terrorism offences by law. Section 83 of the Civil Aviation Act (2022) deals with hijacking and interference.
“It criminalised acts such as unlawfully seizing or exercising control of an aircraft, etc. That would include any passenger attempt to stop a plane from flying.
“Part 17 of the NCAA Regulations 2023 also sets the framework under which such acts are treated as terrorism-related offences”, Achimugu stated.
Already, he has been placed on a “no fly list” for a period of six months.
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