Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji singer popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has refuted allegations by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that he breached boarding protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The controversy arose when FAAN disclosed that the
68-year-old musician attempted to board a ValueJet Airlines flight to Lagos on
Monday with an “unidentified liquid substance,” allegedly disregarding warnings
from aviation security (AVSEC) and the flight captain.
The airport authorities also accused the singer of spilling
alcohol on aviation personnel when they attempted to verify the content of a
flask he wanted to travel with.
On Wednesday, it was reported that the Fuji musician’s “disorderly conduct” led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots.
However, in a statement released by Kunle Rasheed, his media
aide, Kwam 1 said the incident was “not only exaggerated but also misleading”.
The singer argued that the substance was “plain drinking
water” given to him at the airport lounge while awaiting boarding and “not
alcohol”.
Ayinde insisted that he “adhered to protocols” and sought to
clarify the misunderstanding “peacefully,” but it was “unnecessarily
escalated”.
“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not
only exaggerated but also misleading,” the statement reads in part.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
The statement accused the suspended pilot of deflecting
blame, alleging her actions endangered lives.
“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,” it added.
“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.”
Kwam 1 urged the media and public to “avoid sensationalism”
and base judgments on facts rather than assumptions.
The musician also maintained his innocence, emphasising
cooperation with authorities to resolve the matter.
“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism
and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment,” the statement
added.
“K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate
fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly
resolved.”
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