‘My father did nothing wrong’ – KWAM 1’s daughter breaks silence over airport incident

Basirat Damilola Marshal, the daughter of renowned Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, commonly referred to as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has addressed the recent controversy surrounding her father’s incident at the Abuja airport, asserting that he has been wrongfully accused of violating aviation regulations.

According to a report by Tribune Online, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) stated that the 68-year-old artist boarded a ValueJet Airlines flight (Flight VK 201) to Lagos while in possession of an alcoholic beverage concealed in a flask.

The agency classified this action as a breach of safety protocols.

In response to this situation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) intervened, imposing a six-month blacklist on the musician and threatening to revoke the operating license of any airline that transports him.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, criticized the musician’s actions at the Abuja airport, deeming them “unacceptable” and indicative of a potential safety risk.

Damilola, who holds the position of Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, took to Instagram to defend her father’s reputation following allegations regarding the transportation of alcohol on a commercial flight, a contravention of aviation regulations.

She characterized the accusations as unfounded and misleading, stating, “I do not understand why a reputable agency would assert that water is alcohol. I do not know when K1 became a magician who transforms water into alcohol.” She further expressed frustration over the misrepresentation of her father’s actions, pointing out that he regularly carries water in his flask.

Supporting Damilola’s remarks, KWAM 1’s spokesperson, Kunle Rasheed, issued a statement clarifying that the flask in question contained only water and not alcohol, as suggested by the flight attendant’s claims. He contended that the incident was considerably exaggerated and portrayed the musician unjustly when, in reality, he was victimized.

Rasheed elaborated that the situation was subsequently clarified and resolved, leading to apologies issued to the musician from FAAN, NCAA, and senior executives of the airline, including the chairman and managing director.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that a private jet was provisionally arranged to transport KWAM 1 to Lagos post-incident; however, he declined this offer despite repeated entreaties. Following these events, the NCAA announced the suspension of two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident: Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba.