‘The substance was water, not alcohol’ — K1 denies breaching airport protocols

Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji singer popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has denied claims by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that he violated boarding procedures at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The controversy followed FAAN’s allegation that the 68-year-old musician attempted to board a ValueJet flight to Lagos on Monday with an “unidentified liquid substance”, allegedly ignoring warnings from aviation security and the flight captain.

The agency also accused the singer of spilling alcohol on aviation staff while they tried to verify the contents of a flask in his possession.

On Wednesday, TheCable reported that the incident, described by officials as “disorderly conduct”, led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots.

But in a statement issued by Kunle Rasheed, his media aide, Ayinde described the reports as “exaggerated and misleading”.

“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading,” the statement read.

“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 singer insisted he “adhered to protocols” and that claims he blocked the aircraft or disrupted operations were “completely unfounded”.

“The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” the statement added.

“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.”

The statement further claimed that Ayinde was the “victim” in the 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, recognising the undue pressure he was under.”

It also accused the suspended pilot of “deflecting blame” and acting in a manner that endangered lives.

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

“More concerning, however, is that the pilot’s hasty and irrational decision did not only misrepresent the situation but also directly endangered the lives of K1 and those who were peacefully trying to resolve the issue. Such conduct, especially from someone entrusted with the responsibility of safely operating an aircraft, is deeply troubling and falls far below professional standards.”

Ayinde urged the public and media to avoid sensationalism and allow facts to guide 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 said.