Veteran Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has denied claims by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that he violated boarding procedures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
FAAN had accused the 68-year-old singer of attempting to board a ValueJet Airlines flight to Lagos with an “unidentified liquid substance,” allegedly refusing to comply with warnings from both aviation security personnel and the aircraft’s captain. According to the agency, the musician also allegedly spilled alcohol on officials when they tried to inspect the flask he was carrying.
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On Wednesday, reports circulated that KWAM 1’s alleged behaviour contributed to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots, intensifying public interest in the incident.
In a statement released through his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, the Fuji star described the incident as a clear case of misrepresentation. He explained that the substance in question was not alcohol but bottled water served to him at the lounge before boarding.
“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading,” the statement said.
“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.”
He dismissed suggestions that he disrupted the flight or hindered airport operations. According to him, such allegations are unfounded and do not reflect his conduct, especially as someone familiar with both domestic and international travel standards.
“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.”
The statement also revealed that after the incident, high-ranking officials from both FAAN and the airline reached out personally to make amends, with the airline reportedly offering to arrange a private flight to Lagos for the musician, which 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, 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.”
KWAM 1 further maintained that only he and his personal assistant were involved in the matter, and several fellow passengers at the airport intervened to calm tensions.
“It must also be emphasized 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, recognizing the undue pressure he was under.”
In defending the singer, the statement accused the suspended pilot of shifting blame to protect herself, alleging that her actions escalated the situation and potentially endangered others.
“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.
“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.”
The musician concluded by urging the public and media to be objective and refrain from sensationalising the issue. He also restated his commitment to cooperating with relevant authorities to resolve the matter properly.
“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.”
Customs Seize ₦20.5m Worth of Smuggled Rice Hidden in Tanker in Kebbi
Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone B, have intercepted a truck carrying 250 bags of smuggled foreign rice cleverly concealed inside a modified tanker.
The vehicle was stopped on August 3, 2025, along the Yauri–Kontagora Road in Kebbi State and was later moved to Kaduna for thorough inspection. Upon examination, the rice—valued at ₦20.51 million—was discovered and promptly seized.
