Abuja airport incident: Wasiu Ayinde breaks silence, denies ‘alcohol, unruly conduct’ claims 

Veteran Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1, has reacted to claims that he acted unruly during a disagreement at the Abuja airport on Tuesday which led to the suspension of ValueJet airline crew. 

Tribune Online reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Wednesday, announced the suspension of ValueJet pilots over safety violations. 

Also, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the ValueJet airline have reacted to the incident with FAAN stating that the matter remains under investigation, Tribune Online reported.

Reacting to controversy, the Fuji star, in a statement issued by his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, stated that the narrative he displayed ‘unruly conduct’ while attempting to board the ValueJet airline is exaggerated and misleading. 

The statement explained that the liquid drink in the KWAM 1’s flask, which led to the controversy, was never alcoholic but “drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft.”

He further claimed that contrary to reports that KWAM 1’s ‘unruly conduct’ led to the pilots’ suspension, the Fuji star was the victim of the incident. 

The statement partly reads, “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 substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalized — 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.

“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.”

Continuing, the statement stated that if KWAM 1 had displayed inappropriate conduct that breached aviation protocol, “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.

“In light of recent developments, it is important to note that the pilot involved now has her license suspended. Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up.

“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment. 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.

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