A dramatic scene unfolded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, as a ValueJet airline plane allegedly came close to hitting veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1), following a reported disagreement that sparked controversy and disciplinary action against airline staff.
A viral video capturing part of the incident has triggered widespread speculation, with some online users alleging that the 67-year-old Fuji maestro engaged in unruly behaviour, possibly under the influence of alcohol, while trying to board a ValueJet flight. The ensuing clash reportedly led to the suspension of ValueJet pilots for alleged safety violations, according to a statement from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and ValueJet have both confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with FAAN noting that the matter remains under review and official findings will be released in due course.
In response to the media storm and public reactions, KWAM 1 has strongly denied all allegations of misconduct. In a statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, the renowned musician described the reports as “exaggerated and misleading.”
According to the statement, the object of controversy was a flask containing plain drinking water — not alcohol, as alleged. The water, he said, had been handed to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board.
“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 statement read. “The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalized — was nothing more than plain drinking water.”
KWAM 1’s team further claimed that the confrontation was escalated unnecessarily despite the artiste’s respectful efforts to explain the situation to airline officials. “Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded,” Rasheed continued, adding that the artiste, who frequently travels both locally and internationally, is well-versed in aviation protocols and abides by them strictly.
The statement revealed that top airline executives, including the Chairman and Managing Director of ValueJet, later reached out to K1 to apologize for the incident. They allegedly offered a private jet to fly him to Lagos at no cost, a gesture he reportedly declined out of principle.
“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,” the statement stressed. “A few concerned passengers who witnessed the incident firsthand appealed to him to remain calm, recognizing the undue pressure he was under.”
Addressing the pilot’s suspension, the statement noted that “given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up.”
KWAM 1’s camp concluded by urging the public and the media to avoid sensationalism and to allow the appropriate authorities to conduct a fair investigation. “K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved,” the statement added.
As of press time, neither FAAN nor the NCAA has provided a final official report, and ValueJet has refrained from issuing detailed comments, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
