Veteran Nigerian Fuji artiste, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has denied claims of inappropriate behaviour during a boarding incident on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
A statement issued on Thursday by K1’s media aide, Kunle Rasheed, said the reports were exaggerated and misleading.
According to Rasheed, the incident occurred from a misunderstanding when a bottle of drinking water was handed to the artiste while waiting in the airport lounge to board a ValueJet flight.
He said the situation escalated in spite of K1’s efforts to clarify the contents of the bottle.
“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.
“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded.
“The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” he said.
Rasheed said that airport officials, including the Head of Airport Security and executives from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) intervened to de-escalate the issue.
“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,” he said.
He urged the media and public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth guide their judgment.
