Fuji music maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, yesterday tendered an unreserved public apology over the incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
KWAM 1 had obstructed a ValueJet plane following his denial of boarding for carrying a liquid suspected to be alcohol beyond the volume allowed.
The development caused a commotion with the pilot, prompting the flight captain to hurriedly depart the airport without obtaining a pre-departure clearance.
The licenses of the pilots were consequently suspended by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) over the development. However, the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) later blamed the incident on KWAM 1, who allegedly flouted safety protocols at the airport.
But, in a statement personally signed by the Fuji icon yesterday obtained by journalists, he expressed regret over the incident and controversy, but firmly denied allegations that he was carrying alcohol in a flask during the boarding process of a commercial flight.
In the statement, he clarified, “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 that I 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 records, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water at 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 being de-boarded.
“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.”
