Fuji music legend, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, (KWAM 1), has issued an apology over the incident involving him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.
In a statement personally signed on Friday, the veteran singer expressed regret over the controversy but insisted that the flask he carried on the day contained only water, not alcohol.
He said: “The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on August 5, 2025, involving my humble self and ValueJet Airline was, to say the least, unfortunate.
“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water, not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.
“For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water at the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone been deboarded.
“However, I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way.
“My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades, nor would I knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly.
“That said, the incident is sincerely regretted. I remain committed to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.
“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology.”
BACKGROUND STORY
The incident occurred on August 5 at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to reports, KWAM 1 was seen drinking from a flask while onboard a ValueJet flight. A flight attendant, suspecting the flask contained alcohol — a prohibited substance on Nigerian flights — asked the musician to surrender it.
It was gathered that after K1 refused to hand over the flask, the flight crew deboarded him from the aircraft. He then moved to the front of the plane in an apparent attempt to prevent its departure.
As tensions escalated, the musician allegedly spilled the contents of the flask on a member of the airline’s staff.
In a trending video clip, K1 is seen being approached by airline officials who request that he step away from the front of the plane, where he stood as the pilot and ground crew prepared for take-off.
Still holding his flask and speaking on a mobile phone, the Fuji star is seen pacing in front of the aircraft. Amid the roar of the engine, someone is heard shouting, “What’s all this?” as the plane attempts to turn.
In a statement issued on August 6, FAAN said K1 spilled alcohol on ValueJet personnel when they tried to verify the flask’s contents.
The NCAA has since suspended two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident, citing violations of aviation safety protocols.
However, in a statement released on Thursday by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, K1 denied the allegations, calling the incident “exaggerated” and “misleading.”
“The flask contained plain drinking water, not alcohol,” the singer stated, adding that it was handed to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board.
Kwam 1 maintained that he “adhered to protocols” and only sought to resolve the matter “peacefully,” but the situation was “unnecessarily escalated.”