The controversy surrounding Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, took a new turn on Wednesday as his media aide, Kunle Rasheed, issued a strong rebuttal to claims that the music legend behaved unruly during an incident aboard a ValueJet flight at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, was earlier addressed in an official statement by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), which alleged that the musician attempted to board Flight VK 201 to Lagos with an unidentified liquid substance, in violation of international aviation security standards. According to FAAN, K1 allegedly ignored repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and spilled the content — later identified as alcohol — on an officer, prompting intervention by the Flight Captain and eventual escort by security personnel.
However, in a counter statement released on August 6, K1’s camp described the FAAN account as “exaggerated and misleading.” According to Kunle Rasheed, the flask in question contained “plain drinking water” given to K1 at the airport lounge, not alcohol, as widely reporte.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations,” Rasheed stated. “Despite his respectful effort to clarify the nature of the liquid, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.”
He further dismissed claims that the veteran performer blocked the aircraft or disrupted operations, asserting that K1 is a seasoned and law-abiding traveller who respects aviation rules. “The artiste is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally,” the statement read.
In a twist, Rasheed revealed that high-ranking officials, including heads of FAAN, the NCAA, and top executives of ValueJet, allegedly reached out to K1 following the incident to apologize and even offered to fly him to Lagos in a private jet — an offer he graciously declined.
“K1 was the actual victim in this situation,” Rasheed maintained, adding that only K1 and his personal assistant were involved and that some passengers who witnessed the scene encouraged him to remain calm.
He also made a strong claim regarding the pilot involved in the confrontation, stating that her license has now been suspended. “It is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame,” Rasheed alleged.
While FAAN has reaffirmed its commitment to safety and confirmed that investigations are ongoing, K1’s team has urged the media and public to avoid sensationalism and wait for the facts to unfold.
“This matter remains under thorough investigation,” FAAN emphasized in its earlier statement. “All parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law.”
As the saga continues to unfold, both FAAN and K1’s camp seem firm in their positions, leaving the final resolution in the hands of investigative authorities.
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