The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has confirmed that a disruption involving Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, contributed to a recent safety breach by ValueJet pilots at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
According to FAAN, preliminary investigations revealed that K1 was scheduled to board ValueJet’s Lagos-bound flight VK 201 on the morning of Monday, August 5, 2025. During boarding, the musician allegedly attempted to carry an unidentified liquid, later identified as alcohol, onto the aircraft, in violation of international aviation safety rules which prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml unless declared and necessary.
Despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) officers and the Flight Captain, the passenger refused to comply. When approached for further clarification, he reportedly spilled the contents of the flask on an airline security officer. The Flight Captain also encountered resistance when she intervened.
After boarding was completed, the musician moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area, causing further delay. He was eventually escorted away by the AVSEC Crime Unit for investigation and later released.
The situation escalated when the pilots, in a bid to proceed with takeoff, began taxiing without obtaining the mandatory clearance from ground control. This act violated critical safety protocols, prompting the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to suspend the two ValueJet pilots involved.
A viral 23-second video posted by the NCAA on social media showed the CRJ-900ER aircraft, registration 5N-BXS, taxiing with ground personnel still nearby, an indication it was not cleared for departure.
ValueJet has acknowledged the error, confirming the withdrawal of the pilots from duty. FAAN emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on behavior that compromises safety and operational integrity, regardless of the status of individuals involved.
The matter remains under investigation, and FAAN stated that all responsible parties will be held accountable according to the law.
