The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots following a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
According to a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the incident involved the pilot initiating departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance from the control tower.
The NCAA described the action as reckless and a violation of both Nigerian civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
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The unauthorised departure reportedly endangered ground personnel and other airport users at the domestic terminal.
As a result, the NCAA has suspended the licences of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirms that it has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
“Preliminary information indicates that the pilot in question commenced departure procedures from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
‘The NCAA views this incident with utmost seriousness.
“This suspension will remain in place pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.
“The authority hereby reaffirms all stakeholders of its commitment to safety,” Achimugu added.
However, the agency condemned the disorderly conduct of Wasiu Ayinde, which led to the incident.
Kwam 1, was said to be onboard a ValueJet plane on August 5, and seen drinking from a flask and was approached by a flight attendant who suspected that the content was alcohol — a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.
The attendant was said to have asked the musician to surrender the flask, but Kwam 1 refused, saying it was medication prescribed by his doctor.
Following his refusal to give up the flask, the flight crew de-boarded the celebrity.
Consequently, an enraged Kwam 1 proceeded to the front of the aircraft in an attempt to prevent it from taking off.
In a trending video, the Fuji artist was seen standing in front of the aircraft, with ground personnel interacting with him.
Seconds later, Kwam 1 and the ground personnel were seen dodging the wing of the ValueJet plane as the flight forcefully took off in breach of aviation safety rules.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has issued a statement to address the issue.
Read full statement below:
