The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots over what it called a serious safety breach at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) suspended Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba’s licences over the breach.
NCAA’s director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the suspended pilots allegedly bypassed mandatory pre-departure clearance procedures on August 5, 2025, initiating departure without clearance from air traffic control.
The NCAA insisted that suspending the two pilots operating ValueJet airline’s flight from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, was the best decision, as maintaining safety protocols remained sacrosanct no matter the situation.
Achimugu said in a telephone interview with LEADERSHIP that the Authority’s utmost concern remained the safety of passengers, aircraft, and the airport, and all operators and pilots were aware of that.
He stated that the situation could have been worse if the plane had killed the inspection officer as shown on the viral video, or even collided with another aircraft which had been cleared to move.
Reacting to the alleged unruly behaviour of a passenger, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as K1 De Ultimate), Achimugu said passengers’ actions and inactions were usually treated as separate issues adding, “Still, the pilot’s first duty is to ensure safety at all costs.”
However, he maintained that suspension did not mean indictment, and the final decision would be made after the full investigation of the incident.
Reacting to the development in an official statement on Wednesday, ValueJet airline acknowledged the incident and assured the public that it would fully cooperate with the NCAA as investigations continue.
The statement read, in part, “We acknowledge the seriousness of this incident and are fully cooperating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in their ongoing investigation.
“The crew involved were removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation.”
The airline emphasised that safety remained its top priority, promising full accountability and adherence to regulatory standards.
The airline added that “At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards.
“We remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations.”
Also, in another statement, Captain Ranti, the pilot in command of Flight VK201, accused the musician of breaching safety regulations and behaving unruly when on board the aeroplane.
“Mr. Ayinde approached the aircraft carrying a gold flask of unknown content. Under standard procedure, ground staff were requested to verify the flask’s content. He refused and responded with comments such as, “Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.
“As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security personnel reiterated that he could not board without complying with the inspection. He became confrontational, causing a disruption.
Escalation. To manage the situation and prevent further delay, I went to the cockpit and contacted Mr. Ayinde to talk to him amicably. Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers,” the statement read partly.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced on Wednesday that it was conducting a thorough investigation into the serious safety protocol breach at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, between Valuejet Airlines and Fuji Musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as K1 De Ultimate).
FAAN, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP by the Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, said the matter remained under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law.
Explaining the incident, Orah said preliminary investigations confirmed that the Fuji Musician was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201). During boarding, he attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the Flight Captain.
“FAAN wishes to formally address the incident that occurred on Monday, 5th August 2025, at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident involved a notable Nigerian musician. King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as K1 De Ultimate), and a pilot of ValueJet Airlines.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201). 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.
“By international aviation security standards, specifically Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annexe 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.”
Orah said the Fuji musician allegedly refused and spilt the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol.
“As the 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.
“FAAN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel. The Authority will not tolerate any action compromising operational integrity or undermining aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved.
“This matter remains under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law,” she stated.
However, a spokesman for the Fuji Musician. Kunle Rasheed, also gave his own version of the event.
In a statement titled, K1 De Ultimate and the ValueJet Episode: Setting the Record Straight, he denied that the musician displayed unruly conduct while attempting to board a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025, adding that at no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations.
The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) displayed unruly conduct while attempting to board a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025, allegedly causing a breach of aviation protocol. We wish to state categorically that this narrative was exaggerated and misleading.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance — wrongly sensationalised — was 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.
“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are entirely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols.
“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 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.”
“We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment. K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and cooperates fully with all relevant authorities to ensure the matter is responsibly resolved.”
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