ValueJet incident: KWAM 1 gets reprieve against flight ban, police probe

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA to withdraw the complaints it filed against Fuji maestro, King Ayinde Wasiu Marshall also known as KWAM 1 over his attempt to stop a Valuejet plan from taking off at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos last week.

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo announced this on Wednesday in a statement published on his X handle.

According to Keyamo, the flight ban imposed on the musician over the incident is to be reduced to one-month period.

He also said the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN will also work with the Fuji musician with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward.

Keyamo said the measures were taken following demonstration of penitence by KWAM 1.

Also, the Minister of Aviation announced that the licenses of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET that were suspended over the incident involving KWAM 1 will be restored by the NCAA is to restore their licenses after expiration of one-month ban.

He also said the pilot and the First Officer will undergo some mandatory professional re-appraisal details of which will be announced by the NCAA.

Keyamo also said he had directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to immediately begin a retreat next week in response to the incident involving the Fuji musician and another passenger, Comfort Emmenson.

He said the retreat will lead to retraining and preparing Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions.

The Minister added that the airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus.

Recall that the NCAA had on Tuesday petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of Police to investigation the incident involving KWAM 1 and domestic airline, ValueJet.

‎This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA in Abuja.

‎The incident, which occurred last Tuesday reportedly disrupted standard operational procedures and raised concerns over passenger conduct and airline safety protocols.

The NCAA, in the statement said preliminary reports revealed that during a scheduled ValueJet flight VK201, Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, allegedly involved in actions that violated the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations.

‎”While full details of the incident are still being compiled, the NCAA has emphasised the importance of upholding aviation safety standards and ensuring accountability, regardless of the parties involved.

‎”In a letter addressed to both the Attorney-General and the Inspector-General of Police, the NCAA called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and the initiation of appropriate prosecution in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 supra and all other applicable laws.

“Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, has also issued an advisory to Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), urging immediate consideration and institution of a No-Fly List for K1 De Ultimate(on any commercial flight), pending outcome of official investigations,” the statement said.

‎It noted that the advisory was in line with global aviation standards that prioritise the safety of passengers, crew and airline operations.

‎”The NCAA reiterates its commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their status or public image, undermines the integrity of our aviation industry as passengers are held to the same standards of behaviour and compliance within Nigeria’s airspace.

‎”Further updates will be provided as investigations progresses,” the statement added.