By Amofokhai Williams
Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely celebrated as K1 De Ultimate, has issued a public apology following a controversial incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on August 5, 2025, which sparked widespread debate.
In a personally signed statement released on Friday, the 68-year-old musician expressed deep regret for the disruption caused but firmly denied allegations that he attempted to board a ValueJet Airlines flight with alcohol, asserting that the flask in question contained only water.
“The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was, to say the least, unfortunate,” K1 stated, addressing the uproar that led to a six-month flight ban by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
He explained that his chronic dehydration condition, as advised by his doctor, requires him to stay hydrated, noting, “Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated.
“This is why I always carry a water flask with me.” He clarified, “Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water — not alcohol.”
K1 detailed that the flask was empty during two security checks and filled with water at the airport lounge before he approached the tarmac, emphasizing, “I had not yet boarded the aircraft, let alone being deboarded.” He urged authorities to review CCTV footage to corroborate his account.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had claimed K1 spilled an unidentified liquid, later alleged to be alcohol, on a security officer, escalating tensions during boarding for Flight VK 201 to Lagos.
Expressing contrition, K1 apologized to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, and Nigerians, stating, “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.”
He reaffirmed his patriotism, saying, “My unwavering patriotism and loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades.”
The incident, which led to the suspension of two ValueJet pilots, drew mixed reactions on X, with some users questioning the severity of the response, while others criticized the initial narrative.
One post noted, “K1’s apology shows his humility, but the alcohol claims seem exaggerated.”
K1’s team further claimed that ValueJet’s top executives offered a private jet to Lagos as an apology, which he declined, a gesture he cited as evidence of his innocence.
As a cultural ambassador for Fuji music, K1 thanked his fans for their support, pledging to uphold Nigeria’s image.
