The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the ValueJet airline have officially sanctioned crew members of flight V (201 for breach of safety in an incident involving a passenger in possession of alcohol on board the aircraft.
FAAN stated on Wednesday that an incident involving notable Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate or KWAM1), and a ValueJet Airlines crew at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025, has been addressed.
According to the Authority, preliminary investigations revealed that during boarding for Flight VK 201 to Lagos, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board, later confirmed to be alcohol, despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the flight crew.
The situation escalated when the passenger allegedly refused to comply with aviation liquid regulations under Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17, which restricts liquids exceeding 100ml unless medically necessary and declared. The individual reportedly spilled the contents on a security officer and resisted instructions from the Flight Captain, resulting in delays and the eventual closure of the aircraft door. He was later escorted away by AVSEC for further investigation and released.
On their Part, the airline, ValueJet acknowledged the seriousness of the breach and stated that the crew involved in the incident was immediately removed from active duty. The airline emphasised its cooperation with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and confirmed that an internal review had commenced to ascertain the root cause and prevent recurrence.
The Airline reiterated its commitment to international safety standards, regulatory compliance, and operational accountability.
Meanwhile, the NCAA has taken decisive action by suspending the two ValueJet pilots implicated in the incident, citing a serious breach of aviation safety protocols. The Authority stressed that all aviation stakeholders must uphold the highest levels of professionalism and safety, and confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine further culpability.
FAAN concluded by assuring the public of its unwavering commitment to passenger safety, crew integrity, and airport security. It emphasised that no individual, regardless of status, will be allowed to compromise aviation standards, and all parties found responsible will be held accountable under the law.
