KWAM 1 : Union demands NCAA lift suspension on ValueJet’s pilot, other after Abuja airport incident

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reverse the suspension of a ValueJet captain and first officer over the August 5 incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1).

NAAPE insists the sanctions are unfair, arguing that the primary fault lay with the musician, who is already on a no-fly list and faces possible prosecution.

NAAPE President Galadima Abednego said the pilots, both with spotless professional records, acted under extreme provocation after K1 allegedly defied airport security protocols and blocked the aircraft on the tarmac.

He admitted the captain could have shown greater discretion but maintained that punishing the crew while the passenger faces separate legal action amounts to selective enforcement of aviation rules.

“The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to reconsider its sanction on a ValueJet pilot and her assistant.

“This is contained in a statement signed by NAAPE’s National President, Mr Galadima Abednego, on Saturday in Lagos,” the report read in part.

The association also called for a transparent probe into the matter and encouraged ValueJet to continue backing its crew. Abednego reminded travellers that safety and security remain top priorities in aviation and warned against unruly behaviour at airports.

The NCAA had earlier petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to investigate and prosecute KWAM 1 describing the incident as a serious breach of aviation safety standards under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

The disruption occurred during boarding for ValueJet Flight VK201 to Lagos. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), KWAM 1 attempted to board with a flask containing more than the permitted 100ml of liquid.

Despite warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and the flight captain, he allegedly refused to comply and poured the contents on a security official. After boarding was complete and the aircraft doors shut, KWAM 1 reportedly blocked the plane from taxiing. AVSEC’s crime unit removed him, and he was released after an initial investigation.

The NCAA suspended the ValueJet crew for attempting to taxi while the tarmac was not completely clear. However, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo condemned the selective punishment, noting that both passenger and crew violated safety protocols. He ordered KWAM 1 placed on a no-fly list pending investigation, with the NCAA advising airline operators to comply.

KWAM 1 has since apologised publicly after being barred from domestic and international flights in Nigeria.