KWAM1 apologises to Nigerians, authorities for holding ValueJet aircraft passengers hostage
Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde, otherwise called KWAM1, has apologised to Nigerians and aviation authorities for blocking a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement on Friday, KWAM1 described the incident as unfortunate, saying he regretted concerns that arose from it.
“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,” the musician stated.
“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.”
He clarified that the flask with him on the day of the incident contained water not alcohol, stating he was wrongly accused.
“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.”
The Fuji maestro reiterated his commitment and patriotism to the values of Nigerian music and culture.
“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,” the musician noted.
KWAM1’s apology came after the federal government placed him on a no-fly list indefinitely pending investigation into the misconduct.
Aviation minister, Festus Keyamo, described the incident as unacceptable, adding that the argument of whether the Fuji artiste had alcohol or water in his flask became irrelevant the moment he blocked the aircraft.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority also petitioned AGF Lateef Fagbemi and IGP Kayode Egbetokun to prosecute the Fuji musician, demanding comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.
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