Lagos-based Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate and KWAM 1, has tendered his apology and begged for forgiveness for delaying and trying to body-block a ValueJet plane from which he had been evicted after his disgraceful conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo SAN, had on Thursday pronounced Ayinde barred from air travel nationwide for six months over the Tuesday incident.
Earlier, KWAM 1 had claimed airport and ValueJet authorities had called to beg him immediately after the incident, where he had been screaming at the crew: “Do you know me?”
In a statement and video recording he made, on Friday, KWAM 1 expressed regret over the controversy.
However, he claimed the flask he was sipping from, which attracted the cabin crew and the plane’s Captain, contained water, not alcohol as variously reported.
The musician 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 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 record, 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 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.”
