The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended two ValueJet pilots after a close-call incident involving popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, when K1 was nearly struck by the wing of a CRJ-900ER aircraft (registration 5N-BXS) as it began taxiing from its bay. A viral 23-second video released on the NCAA’s official Facebook page showed the aircraft moving while K1 and some airport staff were still in close proximity to the plane, suggesting the aircraft had not received proper clearance.
The video showed K1 hurriedly ducking to avoid being hit by the plane’s wing, a move that likely saved him from serious injury.
The NCAA, in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, described the event as a “serious breach of aviation safety protocols” and announced the immediate suspension of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba.
According to the statement, “The NCAA has received reports concerning a serious breach of aviation safety protocols by a ValueJet pilot at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (Domestic Terminal) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licenses of the Pilot and Co-Pilot pending the conclusion of a full investigation.”
The regulatory body noted that preliminary findings revealed that the aircraft began its departure procedures without securing mandatory clearance, thereby endangering the lives of airport workers and passengers.
Sources at the airport disclosed that the incident followed a heated disagreement between K1 and the flight crew after he attempted to board the aircraft with a personal flask containing water. The crew reportedly informed him that only water provided on board was allowed, which sparked an exchange.
The musician allegedly questioned whether the crew knew his identity and insisted on carrying the flask with him. He eventually poured the water out, with some of it splashing on airport personnel. He was later removed from the aircraft.
Eyewitnesses said that after being disembarked, K1 stood in front of the plane in protest, vowing that the aircraft would not depart without him. It was at this point that the plane began taxiing, prompting K1 and others to move aside. He narrowly avoided being struck by quickly ducking as the wing approached.
The NCAA said it views the matter with utmost seriousness and assured that it remains committed to enforcing safety standards in the country’s aviation sector.
