Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, that led to his temporary flight ban.
The controversy erupted on August 5 when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) alleged that the 68-year-old attempted to board a ValueJet Airlines flight to Lagos with an “unidentified liquid substance.”
FAAN claimed the singer ignored aviation security (AVSEC) and the flight captain’s warnings, and even spilt alcohol on personnel while they tried to inspect his flask. This, the Authority said his “disorderly conduct” resulted in the suspension of two ValueJet pilots.
Kwam 1 initially maintained that the flask contained “plain drinking water” from the airport lounge, not alcohol.
The veteran musician, in a personally signed statement on Friday, expressed regret over the controversy but dismissed reports that he was caught with alcohol at the airport. He explained that he suffers from chronic dehydration, which requires him to always carry water on medical advice.
According to K1, the flask in his possession on the day contained only water, a precaution he said was necessary due to his chronic dehydration condition.
He said: “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.
“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised me to 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.
“For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water in the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone been deboarded.
“However, 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.
“My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. 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.
“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology.”
