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August 07, (THEWILL) — Controversies have continued to trail the incident involving notable Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as K1 De Ultimate), and a pilot of ValueJet Airlines at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on the 5th of August 2025.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in its preliminary investigations, confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201).
According to FAAN, during boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the Flight Captain.
But Media Aide to K1 De Ultimate, Kunle Rasheed, has debunked the allegations, stating that this narrative is not only exaggerated but also misleading.
Rasheed maintained that, at no point, did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations
Explaining the incident in an official statement issued Wednesday, FAAN stated that, in accordance with international aviation security standards—specifically, Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17—liquids exceeding 100ml are not permitted through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared. The passenger was informed of this regulation but reportedly declined to comply.
“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification. The passenger allegedly refused and spilt the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol. The Flight Captain intervened but faced similar resistance. After confirming that boarding was complete, she instructed the closure of the aircraft door.
“At this juncture, the passenger moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to leave the area despite repeated requests. He was ultimately escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit for further investigation, after which he was released.
“This matter remains under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law”, the agency added.
Rasheed, however, insisted that at no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations.
“The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalised — was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft. Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated”.
The media aide insisted that claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded.
According to Rasheed, 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.
“Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.
“It must also be emphasised that K1 was the victim in this incident. No one else but he and his personal assistant was directly involved. A few concerned passengers who witnessed the incident firsthand appealed to him to remain calm, recognising the undue pressure he was under.
“In light of recent developments, it is important to note that the pilot involved now has her license suspended. Given the circumstances, it is no surprise if she attempts to deflect blame — surely, she must lie to cover herself up”, Rasheed added.
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Anthony Awunor, THEWILL
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
Source: TheWillNigeria | Continue to Full Story…
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