KWAM 1’s Video with Ex-Ogun Gov Aide Convicted for Fraud, Bidemi Rufai, Fuels Backlash
- A viral video showed Fuji icon K1 De Ultimate hailing former Ogun governor’s aide Bidemi Rufai, who was recently released from US prison
- Nigerians questioned why a convicted fraudster was publicly celebrated with cash gift exchanges
- Mixed reactions trailed the clip as citizens expressed concerns about the message it sends in a struggling economy
- A public commentator, Sam Dede, stated that the episode at the event cast a troubling light on KWAM 1
A video circulating on social media has sparked a wave of criticism after Fuji legend K1 De Ultimate was caught openly praising Abidemi Rufai, the former aide to Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun, who recently regained his freedom after a US conviction.
The clip shows Rufai approaching K1 during an event, prostrating fully on the floor before presenting bundles of cash to the singer.
In response, K1, who wants to become the next Awujale, hailed him warmly, calling him “the pride of Ijebu-Ode,” a phrase that caused immediate online conversations.
Source: Instagram
Rufai, once a senior special assistant in Ogun state, became internationally known in May 2021 when he was arrested at JFK Airport, New York.
He was later convicted of multiple counts of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, leading to a five-year jail sentence handed down by a US federal court in September 2022.
However, on November 15, 2024, three years after his incarceration, he was released from the custody of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
His freedom followed a successful motion requesting a reduction of his sentence.
Nigerians were stunned to see Rufai in a celebratory setting so soon after his return.
Many questioned why a man convicted of financial crimes would be publicly honoured, particularly.
Watch the video here:
KWAM 1 faces backlash over video with Bidemi Rufai
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of social media users below:
@bidemiafii noted
"He who have not sin before should throw the 1st stone.... Eyin oloriburuku yin. Enikurrrrrrreee gbogbo yin. He served his time and he's out. Did he escape from prison. Ori yin gbale. Elebiiii ni gbogbo yin"
@chrismode76 wrte
"Another bowale. The next Ogun state governor. E ku imora"
@kibamslightberry declared:
"I will prostrate like that finish& am being dragged to get up not gently or help up. Then I will come & spend my money like that again 🤷♀️🤦♀️🙈I will think about it again to process it well"
@iam_buggatii shared:
"Go hard or go home, if you can't serve the term don't do the crime But Risk"
@bimbola_abass shared:
"Grace makes a way even when everyone thinks your story is over. @ruffyjoejo:
Source: Instagram
KWAM 1's action is morally wrong - Dede
A public commentator, Sam Dede, stated that the episode at the event cast a troubling light on KWAM 1.
He stated:
"This episode casts KWAM 1 in a troubling light, suggesting a casual glorification of wealth without regard for how it was earned. By publicly hailing a convicted fraudster, he is disconnected from the moral expectations many Nigerians now demand from public figures. For someone eyeing a revered traditional stool, such moments risk damaging his credibility and moral authority.KWAM 1 reunites with estranged drummer on stage"
KWAM 1 reunites with estranged drummer
Legit.ng earlier reported that K1 De Ultimate reunited with his former drummer, Ayankunle Ayanlowo, ending years of tension and public accusations.
The reunion was witnessed during a live performance, with K1 hailing Ayankunle as he returned to the band. Ayanlowo had previously made headlines claiming he spent over three decades with K1 De Ultimate yet “achieved nothing.”
He alleged that band members were treated like slaves, with passports confiscated and strict restrictions on movement.
Source: Legit.ng
