By Akinwale Kasali
Why the Licences of two ValueJet’s Pilots were suspended
Fuji Maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal popular as KWAM I, has been indicted by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, for violating Aviation regulations by trying to take an alcoholic drink into a Commercial Airline, thus disrupting the airline’s operations on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
According to FAAN, his action contradicted the policy of another aviation regulator, NCAA, which punished the two pilots of the airline involved in the incident.
In a statement on Wednesday, FAAN said its preliminary investigation “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.
The aviation authority said the airline’s efforts to get KWAM 1 to drop the alcoholic drink before boarding the flight to Lagos failed.
“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification. The passenger refused and spilled the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol. The Flight Captain intervened but faced similar resistance,” FAAN said in the statement by its spokesperson, Obiageli Orah.
In the statement, FAAN suggested it would not be deterred by KWAM 1’s influence and would do a thorough investigation of the incident.
“This matter remains under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law,” FAAN said.
It was gathered that a flight attendant allegedly requested that KWAM 1 hands over the flask, but the 68-year-old veteran Musician declined, claiming it contained doctor-prescribed medication.
When he persisted in keeping the flask, the airline crew reportedly asked him to leave the aircraft.
Following this, KWAM 1 allegedly left the plane but stayed close to it, seemingly attempting to halt the plane’s departure.
In a video that went viral on Wednesday, the singer was seen in front of the plane while airport officials engaged him in conversation.
The pilot, however, decided to take off, seemingly endangering the lives of the musician and the airport officials, a decision that warranted the NCAA to sanction the both the Pilot and the co-Pilot.
As the plane taxied, the musician and the airport officials moved out of its way.
FAAN has however reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport staff.
The agency said any behaviour which compromises operational integrity or breaches aviation safety standards will not be tolerated, irrespective of the status or identity of those involved.
It also reiterated its dedication to upholding the highest professionalism, safety, and regulatory compliance standards across all Nigerian airports.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has suspended the two ValueJet pilots involved in the incident.
According to the NCAA, the pilots’ conduct seriously violated established safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
In a statement issued by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the agency confirmed it had taken swift enforcement action by suspending the licences of those involved.
The affected Pilots were identified as Oluranti Ogoyi, the Captain, and Ivan Oloba, the first officer.
The aviation regulator stated that preliminary findings indicated the Pilot initiated departure procedures from the assigned bay without securing the required pre-departure clearance.
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