Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, has denied allegations by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria that he disrupted a ValueJet flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Reacting to the incident on Thursday, the 68-year-old artist said the claims were exaggerated and misleading. He insisted that he neither broke airport rules nor carried alcohol onboard the flight.
“We wish to categorically state that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading,” his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, said in a statement.
FAAN had earlier accused the singer of ignoring aviation security officers and attempting to board with an unidentified liquid, which was suspected to be alcohol. The agency also claimed that he spilled the substance on airport staff during a confrontation.
But the singer’s camp rejected the version of events, saying the flask only contained water he was given while waiting to board.
“The substance in question which was wrongly sensationalised was nothing more than plain drinking water,” Rasheed said. “Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.”
He further stated that KWAM 1 made no attempt to block the aircraft or disrupt airport operations.
“The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” the statement read.
The singer also claimed that officials of FAAN and ValueJet apologised after the misunderstanding, even offering to arrange a private jet for him to Lagos — an offer he reportedly declined.
“If there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security and airline executives would not have reached out personally to apologise,” Rasheed added.
He went on to accuse the suspended pilot involved in the incident of making false claims to cover her tracks.
“It is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up,” the statement added. “Her actions endangered lives and fell far below professional standards.”
KWAM 1 called on the media and public to avoid jumping to conclusions.
“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth not assumptions to guide their judgment,” the statement concluded.
