The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken disciplinary action against two pilots working with ValueJet Airlines by suspending them indefinitely for what it described as a “serious breach of aviation safety procedures” at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, revealed in a statement that the pilots violated mandatory protocols by initiating take-off procedures without obtaining proper clearance from air traffic control. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, involved a ValueJet flight scheduled to depart Abuja for Lagos.
According to Achimugu, the pilots’ actions were a direct contravention of established aviation safety standards and posed a significant risk to human lives, including airport ground staff and passengers. As such, the NCAA deemed it necessary to suspend the flight crew involved pending a thorough investigation.
In reaction to the suspension, ValueJet Airlines issued an official statement on Wednesday, acknowledging the incident and confirming its cooperation with the regulatory authority. The airline emphasized its commitment to aviation safety and disclosed that the involved crew members had already been removed from active duty.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of this incident and are fully cooperating with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in their ongoing investigation,” the statement read. “The crew involved were removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation.”
ValueJet further reiterated that safety remains its foremost priority and that it upholds international aviation standards at all times. “At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We operate under strict adherence to regulatory procedures and international safety standards. We remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations,” the airline added.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn as it was revealed that popular Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, was nearly hit by the aircraft during the chaotic takeoff. Reports indicate that the musician had to duck quickly to avoid being struck by the wing of the aircraft while standing in front of the plane alongside ground personnel.
In an unexpected twist, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued its own statement alleging that the musician had attempted to board the aircraft while in possession of an unidentified liquid substance.
FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah, said in a press release: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to formally address the incident that occurred on Monday, August 5, 2025, at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident involved a notable Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), and a pilot of ValueJet Airlines.
“Preliminary investigations 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.”
FAAN also stated that the situation may have contributed to the operational confusion that led to the safety breach.
Meanwhile, K1 De Ultimate‘s camp swiftly responded to the allegations. In a detailed statement titled “K1 De Ultimate and the ValueJet Episode: Setting the Record Straight,” the musician’s spokesperson, Kunle Rasheed, denied all claims of misconduct. He described the narrative as misleading and exaggerated.
“Our attention has been drawn to reports alleging that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate) displayed unruly conduct while attempting to board a ValueJet flight on August 5, 2025, allegedly causing a breach of aviation protocol. We wish to state categorically that this narrative was exaggerated and misleading,” the statement began.
“At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance — wrongly sensationalised — was plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft. Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.”
Rasheed further explained that the respected artist is well-traveled and fully conversant with international aviation rules. He dismissed suggestions that K1 attempted to obstruct the aircraft or violate aviation laws.
“Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are entirely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols,” he added.
Perhaps most notably, Rasheed disclosed that multiple senior figures — including officials from the NCAA, FAAN, and ValueJet management — reached out to the musician to apologize for the incident. They reportedly even offered him a free private jet flight to Lagos in an attempt to calm tensions. However, K1, according to the statement, graciously declined the offer.
“If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out personally to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos — at no cost. Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer,” Rasheed said.
As investigations continue, both the NCAA and FAAN have pledged to maintain transparency and uphold strict safety standards in the aviation industry. The ValueJet flight crew remains under suspension while the internal and regulatory inquiries progress.