Popular Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, was involved in a disruptive incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja that led to a breach of aviation protocol and the suspension of two ValueJet pilots, according to a statement released by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
The musician, scheduled to fly on a ValueJet morning flight (Flight VK 201) to Lagos on August 5, allegedly attempted to bring an unidentified liquid substance onboard the aircraft, which turned out to be alcohol. The situation escalated when he reportedly ignored multiple warnings from both the flight captain and aviation security personnel.
FAAN confirmed that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had suspended two pilots for commencing departure procedures from the designated bay in violation of the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.
The artist was reportedly drinking from a flask when approached by a flight attendant who suspected its content violated aviation rules, which prohibit alcoholic substances onboard flights in Nigeria.
In response to the incident on Wednesday, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated that investigations confirmed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde was booked on the morning ValueJet Airlines Flight VK 201 to Lagos.
The authority further revealed that Ayinde tried to bring an unspecified liquid onto the aircraft, ignoring multiple warnings from both the flight captain and Aviation Security (AVSEC) officials.
“In accordance with international aviation security standards specifically, Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17 liquids exceeding 100ml are not permitted through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared.
“The passenger was informed of this regulation but reportedly declined to comply.
“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification.
“The passenger allegedly refused and spilled the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol.
“The Flight Captain intervened but faced similar resistance. After confirming that boarding was complete, she instructed the closure of the aircraft door.
“At this juncture, the passenger moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to leave the area despite repeated requests.
“He was ultimately escorted away by AVSEC crime unit for further investigation, after which he was released,” the statement read.
FAAN reiterated its stance on ensuring the safety and integrity of Nigeria’s aviation sector, warning that any action that compromises operational integrity or undermines aviation safety standards won’t be tolerated, regardless of the individuals involved.
The incident remains under investigation, and FAAN emphasized that anyone found culpable will be held accountable according to the law.
KWAM 1 Reacts:
Ayinde has denied wrongdoing, claiming through his media aide Kunle Rasheed that the flask contained plain drinking water and that the matter was unnecessarily escalated. He also rejected claims that he blocked the aircraft, insisting he remained calm and cooperative.
The statement from his team further alleged that senior airport officials and airline executives later apologised for the misunderstanding and even offered him a complimentary private jet flight to Lagos.
“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,” the aide said.
