The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has cleared the air on the incident that happened at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, when ValueJet pilots reportedly breached safety protocols by attempting to depart without concluding the pre-departure protocols.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced the suspension of two ValueJet pilots on Tuesday night, citing a serious breach of aviation safety protocols.
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, confirmed this development in a late Tuesday statement, stating that the authority was notified about the pilots’ violation.
A video lasting 23 seconds was posted on the X page (formerly Twitter) of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), featuring the CRJ-900ER aircraft with registration 5N-BXS.
The plane was captured taxiing from its bay with ground staff in close proximity, signifying it was not yet cleared for departure. Some staff members were seen rapidly retreating as the pilots taxied swiftly from the apron.
The airline subsequently released a statement acknowledging the crew’s error and confirming the removal of the two pilots from duty.
The airport operator issued a statement detailing the incident, which involved prominent Nigerian musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, and a ValueJet Airlines pilot.
According to the Federal Aviation Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), preliminary investigations confirmed the passenger was scheduled to board ValueJet Airlines’ morning flight to Lagos (Flight VK 201).
During boarding, despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security personnel and the Flight Captain, the passenger attempted to bring an unidentified liquid substance on board.
FAAN reiterated that liquids over 100ml are prohibited from passing through security screening, as per international aviation security standards and Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17, unless medically necessary and properly proceeded
Despite being informed, the passenger reportedly refused to comply.
An airline security officer subsequently requested the musician to step aside for further discussion while boarding proceeded.
The passenger allegedly declined and poured the flask’s contents, which proved to be alcohol, onto the officer.
The Flight Captain intervened, but the passenger resisted similarly. After confirming boarding was complete, the Captain instructed the aircraft door to be closed.
The passenger then positioned himself at the front of the aircraft, refusing to move despite repeated requests, and was eventually escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit for further investigation before being released.
“FAAN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel. The Authority will not tolerate any actions that compromise operational integrity or undermine 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” the statement affirmed
