“I would never knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly” – KWAM 1
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | Veteran Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 or K1 De Ultimate, has publicly apologised over the incident that occurred at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
In a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, the music legend expressed regret over the controversy but firmly denied claims that he attempted to board a ValueJet flight with alcohol in his flask.
“The flask I carried on that day contained only water, not alcohol, as wrongly alleged,” he stated. “I suffer from chronic dehydration and have been advised by my doctor to remain constantly hydrated. That is why I always carry a water flask.”
KWAM 1 explained that he had passed through two separate security screenings with the flask empty, only filling it with water at the airport lounge before proceeding to the tarmac, a fact he says can be confirmed by CCTV footage.
“I hadn’t even boarded the aircraft, let alone been deboarded,” he added, rejecting earlier reports suggesting he had been removed from the flight.
The musician acknowledged, however, that the situation may have raised concerns among airport officials and travellers. “It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way,” he said.
Reaffirming his patriotism, KWAM 1 noted that his five-decade career has been dedicated to promoting Nigeria’s image globally. “I would never knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly,” he stressed.
He extended his “unreserved and heartfelt apology” to the Presidency, the Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), ValueJet Airlines, and his fans worldwide.
The apology comes days after FAAN announced an investigation into the altercation, with the incident sparking a wider public debate on security procedures and the treatment of high-profile passengers at Nigerian airports.
