Fuji music icon Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as KWAM1, has found himself at the center of intense public criticism following the circulation of a viral video in which he openly praised Abidemi Rufai, a Nigerian recently convicted of fraud in the United States.
The development has generated widespread controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the judgment of the veteran musician and expressing concern over the message such actions send to society.
Abidemi Rufai, who previously served as a special assistant to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, was convicted by a United States court for financial crimes linked to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. On September 26, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Tacoma sentenced Rufai after investigators established that he attempted to defraud the U.S. government of approximately $2.4 million. A significant portion of the funds—about $500,000—was traced to COVID-19 unemployment relief benefits.
Court records further revealed that Rufai operated under a false identity while carrying out the crimes. Using an alias, he was reported to have unlawfully received more than $350,000 from the Washington State Employment Security Department, in addition to committing multiple identity-related offenses. After serving his prison sentence, Rufai was released from a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in Fort Dix, New Jersey, on November 15, 2024, and subsequently returned to Nigeria.
Public anger erupted after a video surfaced showing KWAM1 speaking admiringly of Rufai at a social gathering, seemingly overlooking his criminal conviction. The clip spread rapidly across social media, prompting sharp reactions from Nigerians who accused the singer of glorifying criminal behavior and undermining moral values.
Many critics argued that public figures like KWAM1 wield enormous influence and should exercise caution in the individuals they celebrate publicly. According to them, praising someone convicted of serious crimes not only trivializes the offense but also sends the wrong signal to young people who look up to celebrities for guidance.
Social media users did not hold back their disappointment. Some described the act as shameful and damaging to Nigeria’s image, while others lamented what they see as a society where wealth often overshadows integrity and accountability. Several commenters noted that such public endorsements reflect a deeper problem of declining values, where financial success—regardless of its source—is rewarded with admiration.
Others expressed personal disappointment, stating that they once held KWAM1 in high regard but now feel let down by his actions. Many warned that normalizing or celebrating criminal conduct could have long-term consequences, especially for a generation already grappling with issues of ethics and responsibility.
As the debate continues, the incident has reignited conversations about celebrity influence, accountability, and the kind of role models being promoted in Nigerian society. For many observers, the controversy goes beyond KWAM1 alone and highlights a broader cultural challenge that demands serious reflection.
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