NAAPE urges NCAA to reinstate ValueJet pilots in KWAM1 Abuja incident

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 sanctioned over the August 5 disruption at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate).

In a statement issued Saturday in Lagos, NAAPE President Galadima Abednego described the NCAA’s action as unjust and selective, insisting the primary fault lay with the passenger — who has since been placed on a no-fly list and faces possible prosecution.

“The pilots in question have unblemished professional records and acted under intense provocation. While the captain could have exercised better discretion, punishing the crew when the passenger faces separate legal action amounts to selective enforcement of aviation regulations,” Abednego said.

NAAPE urged the NCAA to conduct an open, transparent investigation into the incident and appealed to ValueJet to maintain full support for its crew.

The association also warned that unruly passenger behaviour would not be tolerated, stressing that safety and security are aviation’s top priorities.

The NCAA had earlier petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police to investigate K1 for a “grave breach of aviation safety standards” under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

READ ALSO: Emirates bans in-flight use of power banks under new safety rules

The disruption occurred during boarding for ValueJet Flight VK201 to Lagos. According to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), K1 attempted to board with a flask containing over the 100ml liquid limit, later confirmed to be alcohol.

Despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and the flight captain, the musician allegedly refused to comply and poured the contents on a security officer.

After boarding was complete and the doors closed, he reportedly blocked the aircraft from taxiing.

He was eventually removed by AVSEC’s crime unit for questioning.

The NCAA later suspended the licences of the ValueJet captain and first officer for attempting to taxi while the tarmac was not fully clear.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo criticised the NCAA’s handling of the matter, saying both crew and passenger breached safety protocols.

He ordered that K1 be placed on a no-fly list pending investigation and directed the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to comply.

K1 has since apologised publicly after being barred from both domestic and international flights in Nigeria.

Aviation safety expert Captain Tunde Ajayi explained that the NCAA must ensure penalties are consistent and proportionate.

“If the regulator punishes crew but does not fully hold passengers accountable for disruptive behaviour, it sets a dangerous precedent. A fair, evidence-based process is crucial for maintaining trust in aviation safety oversight,” Ajayi said.

With both the crew suspension and the passenger’s travel ban still in force, industry stakeholders are watching closely to see if the NCAA will revise its decision in light of NAAPE’s demands.