Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has responded to allegations of misconduct during a recent incident aboard a ValueJet flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The incident, which took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, reportedly involved K1 attempting to board Flight VK 201 to Lagos while carrying a liquid substance that airport security initially flagged as prohibited. According to a statement released by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), K1 ignored repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and allegedly spilled the content—identified by authorities as alcohol—on one of the officers. The situation reportedly required the intervention of the flight captain, and the music legend was escorted away by security personnel.
However, in a swift rebuttal issued on Wednesday, August 6, K1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, described FAAN’s version of events as “exaggerated and misleading.” He clarified that the flask K1 carried contained only plain drinking water provided at the airport lounge—not alcohol as claimed.
“At no point did K1 De Ultimate act in a manner that compromised safety or disrespected aviation regulations,” Rasheed said. He added that the situation escalated unnecessarily despite K1’s polite efforts to explain the nature of the liquid.
Dismissing claims that the artiste disrupted the flight or blocked the aircraft, Rasheed emphasized K1’s reputation as a seasoned, law-abiding traveller with extensive local and international flight experience. “He is widely respected and understands the importance of aviation rules,” he stated.
In a surprising development, Rasheed claimed that following the incident, senior officials from FAAN, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and ValueJet reached out to K1 to apologize. He alleged that they even offered to fly him to Lagos in a private jet, which he declined.
“K1 was, in fact, the victim in this matter,” Rasheed maintained, revealing that only K1 and his personal assistant were involved. He also stated that some passengers present encouraged the singer to remain calm during the ordeal.
Rasheed further alleged that the pilot involved has had her license suspended, suggesting that she may be trying to deflect blame.
Meanwhile, FAAN has stood by its earlier statement, reiterating that the matter remains under investigation. “All parties found culpable will face appropriate consequences in line with the law,” the agency said.
As both parties remain firm in their accounts, the incident continues to generate public interest. K1’s team has urged the media and the public to avoid sensationalizing the issue and allow the investigation to run its full course.
