… Suspends Two ValueJet Pilots
Joy Yesufu, Abuja
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is set to impose a six-month flight ban on popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1 following allegations of unruly behaviour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The authority had also earlier suspended the licenses of two ValueJet Pilots, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba following a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport Abuja on August 5, 2025
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, disclosed the development during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. He said the disciplinary action became necessary after the musician allegedly spilled alcohol on a cabin crew member during the boarding process on Tuesday.
“No individual, no matter how prominent, is above the rules that govern civil aviation conduct. This measure is to protect airport personnel and ensure the integrity of aviation safety protocols,” Achimugu stated.
The incident, first confirmed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has drawn sharp public condemnation. In a statement issued on Wednesday, FAAN accused the artist of behaving in a disruptive manner while boarding a commercial flight. The agency said KWAM 1 was seen carrying a bottle containing an alcoholic beverage, the contents of which were spilled on an airline official.
FAAN described the conduct as “a breach of aviation protocol and unacceptable behaviour within a regulated space.”
However, KWAM 1 has denied the allegations, claiming the bottle in question contained water. His management further alleged that senior officials from the airport and the airline including the Head of Airport Security and the Chairman of the airline personally reached out to him after the incident, suggesting it may have been resolved amicably.
The NCAA has yet to confirm when the flight ban will take effect, but insiders suggest the measure will serve as a precedent to deter future violations of aviation conduct.
In another development, ValueJet management acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, adding that it is fully cooperating with the NCAA on the investigation.
“ValueJet is aware of the incident that occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving one of our aircraft departing from the designated bay,” the statement said.
It noted that the crew involved were “removed” immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of what the airline described as a “thorough internal review and investigation” that has commenced to understand the root cause and prevent any recurrence.
“At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards, and we remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations,” the airline said.
