Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, has survived a deliberate assassination attempt by pilots of ValueJet airlines at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
What began as a disagreement over a liquid-filled flask between Fuji icon K1 De Ultimate and airline staff led to a flight disruption and suspension of two ValueJet pilots on Tuesday in Abuja.
TFujihe Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, reports that K1 was scheduled to board ValueJet Flight VK 201 to Lagos when he was stopped at the boarding area with a flask containing an unidentified liquid.
FAAN stated that the passenger was warned by aviation security personnel and the Flight Captain that liquids exceeding 100ml were not permitted onboard unless medically necessary and properly declared, in line with Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17.
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The agency further reported that the passenger declined to comply and allegedly spilled the contents of the flask—alleged to be alcohol—on a security officer. The Flight Captain also intervened but faced similar resistance.
After the boarding process, the aircraft door was closed, but the passenger reportedly moved to the front of the aircraft. K 1 and a few staff of FAAN had to scamper to safety as the pilot engaged the aircraft in motion.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, in its own statement, announced the suspension of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba for initiating departure procedures without proper clearance and for breaching safety protocols.
The authority described the pilot’s actions as “reckless” and in violation of both local and international civil aviation safety standards. The suspension is effective immediately pending the outcome of a full investigation.
ValueJet Airlines has acknowledged the incident and confirmed the removal of the involved pilots from active duty pending an internal review.
“The crew involved were removed immediately from active duty, pending the outcome of a thorough internal review and investigation. At ValueJet, safety is not negotiable. We remain committed to accountability and improvement across all levels of our operations,” the airline said in a statement.
ValueJet also pledged full cooperation with the NCAA and expressed appreciation for the Authority’s swift enforcement action.
FAAN emphasized that its security personnel acted in line with aviation laws and that no individual is exempt from compliance with safety procedures.
“FAAN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel. The Authority will not tolerate any actions that compromise operational integrity or undermine aviation safety standards,” the agency said.
Both NCAA and FAAN have confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing and that all parties found culpable will be held accountable in accordance with Nigerian aviation law.
K1 De Ultimate is yet to issued any public statement regarding the incident.
Crediblenewsng.com
