KWAM 1 is a moniker used to refer to Nigerian Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known by his stage name K1 De Ultimate. The term "KWAM 1" gained prominence in August 2025 following a high-profile altercation at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, tagged on social media as the "KWAM 1 Incident." This event, involving K1’s confrontation with ValueJet Airlines crew, led to significant public and regulatory scrutiny and inspired the related term "KWAM 2" for a subsequent incident involving passenger Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight.
Background on Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate)
Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, born March 3, 1957, in Agarawu, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a renowned Fuji musician and cultural icon. Known as K1 De Ultimate, he modernized Fuji music by blending traditional Yoruba rhythms with contemporary instruments, releasing over 50 albums, including Talazo ’84 and Fuji The Sound. A protégé of Fuji pioneer Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, K1 has performed globally, earning accolades like the Headies Hall of Fame (2017) and the title "Olu Omo" from the Oba of Lagos. His influence spans music, culture, and philanthropy, though his public image faced scrutiny following the KWAM 1 Incident.
The KWAM 1 Incident
On August 5, 2025, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, referred to as KWAM 1 in social media discourse, was involved in a disruptive incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja while attempting to board ValueJet Flight VK201 to Lagos. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), K1 attempted to bring a gold flask containing alcohol onto the aircraft, violating Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17, which prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml unless medically justified and declared.
K1 reportedly refused to comply with security inspections, leading to a confrontation with Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, the pilot in command. The situation escalated when he allegedly spilled the flask’s contents on an AVSEC officer, Captain Ogoyi, and nearby passengers, then moved to the front of the aircraft, obstructing its movement. A viral video on X showed K1 near the aircraft as it began taxiing without Air Traffic Control clearance, a safety breach attributed to Captain Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba. AVSEC’s crime unit escorted K1 for questioning, and he was released shortly after.
The NCAA suspended Captain Ogoyi and First Officer Oloba on August 5, 2025, for initiating unauthorized taxiing, and placed K1 on a no-fly list pending investigation. The NCAA also petitioned for his prosecution, with Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo describing the incident as a “hostage situation” due to the endangerment caused. K1’s spokesperson, Kunle Rasheed, claimed the flask contained water for chronic dehydration, supported by airport CCTV, and denied boarding the aircraft. K1 issued a public apology on August 9, 2025, and was offered a private jet by airline officials, which he declined. FAAN and NCAA maintained the liquid was alcohol, supported by security reports.
On August 13, 2025, the Federal Government controversially appointed K1 as an ambassador for airport security protocol, citing his apology and influence. The NCAA lifted his no-fly ban, though investigations continued as of August 14, 2025.
Coinage of KWAM 2
The KWAM 1 Incident’s prominence on social media, particularly X, led to the term "KWAM 2" being coined for a related incident five days later on August 10, inadequate training in de-escalation techniques and the need for clearer regulations on handling disruptive passengers. The dual incidents also highlighted perceived inconsistencies in Nigeria’s aviation enforcement, prompting ongoing NCAA investigations into both cases as of August 14, 2025.
References
- Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) statements, August 6–7, 2025.
- Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) statements, August 5–10, 2025.
- ValueJet Airlines statement, August 6, 2025.
- News reports from Punch, Vanguard, The Sun Nigeria, and Naija News, August 2025.
- Social media posts on X, August 6–14, 2025.
Note: Conflicting accounts regarding the contents of K1’s flask and the details of both incidents remain under investigation by the NCAA and FAAN as of August 14, 2025.