The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why it suspended the licenses of the pilots involved in the violation of security protocol at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Recall that a viral video showed the moment airport ground personnel and Fuji musician, Kwam 1, narrowly escaped being hit by the wing of a ValueJet plane, as it taxied towards takeoff.
The video, an offshoot of an altercation between Kwam 1 and airport personnel, occurred on Tuesday, August 5.
A statement sighted by The Octopus News and signed by Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Obiageli Orah, said: “Preliminary investigations confirmed that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201).
“During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security personnel and the flight captain.
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“In accordance with international aviation security standards, specifically, Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17, liquids exceeding 100ml are not permitted through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared. The passenger was informed of this regulation but reportedly declined to comply.
“As the boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification. The passenger allegedly refused and spilled the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol. The flight captain intervened but faced similar resistance. After confirming that boarding was complete, she instructed the closure of the aircraft door,” FAAN added.
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Further, the statement noted that the situation further intensified when the musician moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area despite repeated requests from airline personnel. “He was ultimately escorted away by the AVSEC crime unit for further investigation, after which he was released.”
However, explaining the reason for suspending the licences of the pilots of the domestic carrier, ValueJet, NCCA noted that the pilots seriously breached aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja
A statement issued on Tuesday, and signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection to the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, noted that the NCAA confirmed receiving reports that the pilot “commenced departure procedures” from the designated bay without adhering to the mandatory pre-departure clearance protocols.
“This reckless action endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, contravening established civil aviation regulations and international safety standards,” the statement stated.
NCAA further described the situation as one it views “with utmost seriousness,” prompting swift enforcement action against the flight crew. It added that the suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of a full investigation into the incident.
“Consequently, the Authority has taken immediate enforcement action by suspending the licences of the pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba, with immediate effect,” the statement read.
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