Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has broken his silence on the controversial incident that occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
In a statement personally signed by the veteran singer, K1 tendered an unreserved apology to all parties affected — including the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ValueJet Airlines, and his millions of fans worldwide.
However, the 67-year-old music maestro strongly dismissed reports that he was carrying alcohol, insisting that his flask contained only water due to a medical condition.
“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,” K1 explained.
“Contrary to the negative narrative being circulated, the flask I carried on that day contained only water — not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.”
CCTV Can Prove My Innocence – K1
K1 revealed that he passed through two security checks with the flask empty and only filled it with water at the airport lounge, moments before heading to the tarmac. He challenged critics to verify the claim through CCTV footage from the lounge.
The singer also clarified that he had not yet boarded the aircraft, let alone being deboarded, as some reports suggested.
‘I Regret Any Concern This May Have Caused’
While maintaining his innocence, K1 admitted the situation had caused public concern and expressed regret over the misunderstanding.
“It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way,” he said.
“My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the past five decades, I have promoted the Nigerian brand across the globe and would never knowingly tarnish it.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the values and responsibilities of a global ambassador for Nigerian music and culture, promising to move forward from the incident with lessons learned.
The statement comes amid ongoing public debate, with industry figures like veteran actor Patrick Doyle publicly defending K1 and urging Nigerians to await the full facts.