A recent incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja has ignited a heated controversy involving popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, widely known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The dispute centres on an alleged breach of boarding protocols and the contents of a flask, leading to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots and a public exchange of conflicting accounts. While FAAN maintains that the musician spilt alcohol on airline staff, KWAM 1 vehemently refutes the claim, insisting the substance was merely water.
According to a statement released by FAAN, the incident unfolded on August 5, 2025, as KWAM 1 was scheduled to board ValueJet Airlines Flight VK 201 to Lagos. FAAN alleges that the musician attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance onto the aircraft, despite repeated warnings from aviation security (AVSEC) personnel and the flight captain.
ValueJet is owned by Nigerian entrepreneur Kunle Soname, who is also the founder of the sports betting company Bet9ja and owns the Portuguese football club C.D. Feirense and Nigerian football clubs Remo Stars. He is an indigene of Ogun state where K1 also hails from.
The FAAN statement emphasised that international aviation security standards, specifically Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17, prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared.
The authority stated that KWAM 1 was informed of this regulation but reportedly declined to comply. As boarding continued, an airline security officer requested the passenger to step aside for further clarification, to which he allegedly refused and proceeded to spill the contents of the flask, which allegedly turned out to be alcohol, on the officer.
The situation escalated when the Flight Captain intervened, facing similar resistance. After confirming that boarding was complete, she instructed the closure of the aircraft door.
However, FAAN claims that KWAM 1 then moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to leave the area despite repeated requests. He was eventually escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit for further investigation before being released. FAAN has issued a stern warning, stating it will not tolerate any action that compromises operational integrity or undermines aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved, and confirmed that the matter remains under investigation.
A video circulating on social media, and independently reviewed by Netng and Neusroom editors, shows KWAM 1 right beside the plane before takeoff, with the Fuji musician having to duck to avoid being hit by the plane’s wing as it taxied Aviation experts say the pilot should not have proceeded to take off without full clearance and especially seeing the passengers on the ground. ‘If they were upset with the musician and didn’t mind knocking him off, what of the other passengers on board? Why put everyone at risk?’
KWAM 1’s Counter-Narrative: ‘I Held Water, Not Alcohol’
Netng placed several calls to KWAM 1’s management on Wednesday, but a statement from his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, obtained by our reporters, vehemently refuted FAAN’s allegations, dismissing them as “exaggerated” and “misleading.”
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalised — 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, the statement reads.
“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.
“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,” the statement read.
In a pointed accusation, KWAM 1’s camp alleged that the suspended pilot was attempting to deflect blame, stating that her “hasty and irrational decision” not only misrepresented the situation but also “directly endangered the lives of K1 and those who were peacefully trying to resolve the issue.”
