UPDATED: KWAM 1 apologises for airport row, says flask contained water not alcohol

Omobola Sadiq

Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 and K1 De Ultimate, has apologised following an incident involving him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The controversy started on August 5 when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) disclosed that KWAM 1 attempted to board a ValueJet Airlines flight to Lagos with an “unidentified liquid substance.”

The airport authorities alleged that the 68-year-old-singer disregarded warnings from aviation security (AVSEC) and the flight captain.

FAAN 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.

Furthermore, the fuji musician’s “disorderly conduct” led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots.

The singer had previously argued that the substance was “plain drinking water” given to him at the airport lounge while awaiting boarding and “not alcohol”.

But during a press briefing on Friday, the music icon expressed regret over the controversy but clarified that the flask he carried contained “only water”.

KWAM 1 described the incident as “unfortunate” and that he suffers from chronic dehydration, necessitating constant hydration as advised by his doctor.

He said , “The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was, to say the least, unfortunate.

“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.

“Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water, not alcohol…”

Meanwhile on Thursday, August 7, minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, declared that any airline that does not comply with the no-fly ban on the singer risks its operating licence being withdrawn.

The order followed after the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced that KWAM 1 will be blacklisted for six months for his conduct at the Abuja airport.