Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has said the chairman and managing director of ValueJet airline apologised to him over a recent incident involving the airline’s crew at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, has sparked controversy, with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) alleging that K1 attempted to board a ValueJet flight with an alcoholic drink, in violation of aviation safety rules.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the singer’s media aide Kunle Rasheed described the allegations as “exaggerated and misleading.”
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations,” the statement read.
According to him, the substance in question was “nothing more than plain drinking water” given to the singer at the airport lounge while waiting to board the aircraft.
“Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated,” he added.
K1 also denied claims that he blocked the aircraft or disrupted operations, insisting he was the one who was wrongly treated.
“If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos – at no cost,” the statement said.
“Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.”
FAAN had earlier stated that the singer splashed alcohol on an aviation security officer after being stopped from boarding the aircraft with the drink. The agency said K1 refused to comply with protocol and had to be escorted off the tarmac.
In a related move, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended two ValueJet pilots over the incident for attempting to take off without proper clearance, a violation of aviation safety procedures.
K1 insisted he was the victim in the situation, stating only he and his personal assistant were directly involved. He said some passengers who witnessed the drama appealed to him to remain calm.
He also noted that the pilot involved in the incident now has her license suspended, adding, “Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up.”
The singer urged the media and public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth to guide their judgment, maintaining that he remains a law-abiding citizen cooperating fully with the authorities.
