From Fuji Stage to No-Fly List: KWAM 1 Says Sorry After Abuja Airport Drama
Fuji music icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised for the altercation involving him and ValueJet staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday.
In a video released to Channels Television on Friday, KWAM 1 described the incident as regrettable, saying he takes full responsibility for his actions.
“I take full responsibility for all that happened. Once again, I seek forgiveness from Mr. President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is also my father and father of the nation; the Honourable Minister for Aviation; the pilot; the airline and its staff; passengers; my fans worldwide; and my family,” he said.
The Fuji star, who described himself as a proud ambassador of Nigeria, said he should not have been involved in such an incident.
Explaining the cause of the dispute, KWAM 1 said he had been carrying a container with water due to a medical recommendation to prevent dehydration.
“My love for the country is unshakable. I will continue to carry the banner of this great nation wherever I go. Please accept my apology,” he added.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had on Thursday directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to place the musician on a no-fly list pending investigation.
The NCAA also petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to prosecute him for his conduct.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) accused KWAM 1 of attempting to board a Lagos-bound ValueJet flight with an unidentified liquid, later confirmed as alcohol, despite repeated warnings from security staff and the pilot. FAAN also alleged he spilled the liquid on a security officer.
A video of the incident showed him standing in front of the aircraft before being escorted away.
The NCAA has suspended two ValueJet pilots involved, citing serious safety protocol breaches. Keyamo said the key issue was the physical obstruction of the aircraft, describing it as “akin to a hostage situation”.
