The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to lift the suspension of a ValueJet captain and first officer involved in the August 5 incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, which also led to Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) being placed on a no-fly list.
The pilots’ union described the NCAA’s sanctions against the ValueJet crew as unjust, arguing that the primary fault lay with the passenger, who faces separate legal action for alleged breaches of aviation safety protocols.
Abednego said both pilots had maintained unblemished professional records and acted under “intense provocation” after the musician allegedly defied security checks and obstructed the aircraft on the tarmac. While acknowledging that the captain could have exercised better discretion, he said the penalties amounted to “selective enforcement of aviation regulations” when the passenger was already being prosecuted.
The union urged the NCAA to conduct an open, transparent investigation and called on ValueJet to continue backing its crew. It also warned that unruly passenger behaviour would not be tolerated in the aviation sector, stressing that safety and security remain paramount.
The NCAA had earlier petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to investigate and prosecute K1, describing his actions as a “grave breach” of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023. The agency also suspended the ValueJet captain and first officer, saying they attempted to taxi while the tarmac was not fully clear.
Minister of aviation and aerospace development Festus Keyamo, however, criticised what he called “selective punishment,” insisting both the crew and the passenger had violated safety rules. He ordered K1 to be placed on a no-fly list pending the outcome of investigations, with the NCAA instructing the Airline Operators of Nigeria to comply.
The disruption occurred during boarding for ValueJet Flight VK201 to Lagos. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), K1 attempted to carry a flask containing more than the permitted 100ml of liquid, later confirmed to be alcohol onto the aircraft. Despite warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the flight captain, he allegedly refused to comply and poured the contents on a security official.
After boarding was completed and the doors closed, K1 reportedly blocked the aircraft from taxiing. AVSEC’s crime unit later removed him from the plane, releasing him after an initial investigation.
K1 has since issued a public apology after being banned from both domestic and international flights in Nigeria. The NCAA’s probe into the incident is ongoing.
