FUJI music maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, more known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over the incident involving him at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on 5 August 2025.
In a statement he personally signed on Friday, the singer expressed regret over the controversy but insisted that the flask he had on the day contained only water, not alcohol as alleged in some reports.
“The incident that occurred at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was, to say the least, unfortunate.
“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.
“Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask contained only water – not alcohol,” he said.
K1 explained that the flask was empty during two separate security checks and was only filled with water at the airport lounge before he proceeded to the tarmac.
He explained that he had not yet boarded the aircraft, “let alone being deboarded,” and said his account could be verified through CCTV footage.
K1 apologised to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, ValueJet, and Nigerians at large.
“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.
“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,” he said.
K1 added that he remained committed to his role as a cultural ambassador for Nigerian music and thanked his fans for their support.
Following the incident, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo had asked aviation agencies to put K1 on a “no fly list” with Nigerian air space to balance the sanction on the licence of the pilots.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, subsequently announced a six-month flight ban on K1.
