Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, clarifying that the flask in question contained only water for medical reasons.
The controversy began on August 5 when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) alleged that the 68-year-old attempted to board a ValueJet Airlines flight to Lagos with an “unidentified liquid substance,” disregarding warnings from aviation security and the flight captain. FAAN further claimed that the singer spilled alcohol on personnel during the altercation, leading to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots.
KWAM 1 initially maintained that the flask contained plain drinking water obtained from the airport lounge, not alcohol. Addressing journalists on Friday, he described the incident as “unfortunate” and explained that he suffers from chronic dehydration, requiring constant hydration on medical advice.
“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,” he said, denying that the flask contained alcohol.
The controversy has drawn regulatory action. On Thursday, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo warned that airlines failing to enforce the no-fly ban on KWAM 1 risk losing their operating licences. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has also announced a six-month blacklist against the singer for his conduct.
