I was the victim – Kwam 1 breaks silence on airport incident

Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, has broken silence, denying misconduct during an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, stating he was the victim, not the aggressor.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, Kwam 1 refuted claims that he violated aviation protocols or disrupted boarding procedures for a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025.

“Reports suggesting that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal displayed unruly conduct are not only exaggerated but entirely misleading,” the statement read.

The musician clarified that the item at the center of the security alert was plain drinking water handed to him at the lounge—not alcohol or any restricted substance. He said he attempted to explain this politely, but the situation was unnecessarily escalated.

“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or disrupted operations are completely unfounded,” the statement continued. “As a frequent international traveler, he understands and strictly complies with aviation rules.”

Kwam 1 also revealed that top ValueJet officials, including the Chairman and Managing Director, later apologized to him and offered to fly him to Lagos on a private jet, which he declined.

“If there had truly been any misconduct, the airline’s top management and aviation authorities wouldn’t have reached out to apologise or arrange a complimentary private flight,” he stated.

The statement emphasized that only Kwam 1 and his personal assistant were directly involved, noting that even fellow passengers urged him to stay calm during the incident.

Addressing reports about the flight crew, Kwam 1 pointed out that the pilot’s license has now been suspended, and accused her of shifting blame: “It’s no surprise she might lie to cover herself.”

He urged the media and public to avoid sensationalism and wait for facts to emerge from the ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has opened a formal probe into the incident, which has fueled broader discussions on  celebrity conduct, airport security, and aviation accountability in Nigeria.