By Kingston Magare 8-8-2025
Veteran Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal a.k.a Kwam 1, has written a letter of apology to the Federal government and ValueJjet over his unruly behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja.
Videos of Kwam 1 arguing with Valuejet airline officials and security left Nigerians flabbergasted. He was seen standing in front of the aircraft, which already had its doors closed and ready for take-off. Airport officials accused him of excessive drinking from a flask he held in his hand and based on aviation rules he was not permitted to fly.
The 68-year-old musician caused a stair as security tried in vain to get him off the tarmac. He was accused drunkenness and even poured the alcohol on an airline staff. The aircraft was cleared to take off and the pilot taxied off to the runway. Kwam 1 was seen ducking underneath the wings of the aircraft as it surged forward.
In the apology letter addressed to the Presidency, Aviation ministry, FAAN as well as Valuejet. the “Naija” crooner acknowledged that his behaviour was unfortunate but stated that he wasn’t drinking as claimed by the airline.
“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,” Kwam I wrote.
“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 being 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.”
The NCAA has already urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to investigate and prosecute Kwam 1,
“The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to launch a thorough investigation into the incident involving musician, King Wasiu Omagbolahan Olasunkanmi Adewale Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate and domestic airline ValueJet,” the NCAA wrote on its X social media page.
Sobering times...Kwam 1