Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has issued a public apology following a confrontation with airline officials at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a recorded statement, the veteran musician expressed regret over the incident, saying: “I take full responsibility for all incidents. Once again, I seek forgiveness from Mr. President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who’s also my father and father of the nation, the Honourable Minister for Aviation, the pilot, the airline, the airline staff, passengers, and above all, my fans across the globe, my family, for the incident.”

Kwam 1 described himself as a long-standing ambassador of Nigeria, stating that he “should not be found in such incidents.” He appealed for forgiveness from the presidency, aviation authorities, and his supporters worldwide.

Addressing speculation about the dispute, he clarified that the container at the centre of the altercation contained water, not alcohol.

The incident occurred during boarding for a ValueJet flight when security personnel challenged Kwam 1 over a flask he was carrying. Aviation officials cited liquid restrictions under Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme and international safety rules, which limit liquids exceeding 100 millilitres unless medically certified.

Tensions escalated when the musician reportedly resisted compliance, leading to a standoff involving ground staff and flight crew.

Following the altercation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended two ValueJet pilots and recommended Kwam 1’s prosecution to the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police. The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, described the case as a “temporary loss of sanity and control” and directed airlines to place the musician on a no-fly list.

In his apology, Kwam 1 pledged to continue representing Nigeria positively, stating that he would “carry the banner of this great country everywhere all my life.”

Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing.