Suspended Pilot of ValueJet Airline explains reason for nearly running K1 down with Jet

The suspended Pilot of Value Jet Airline, Oluranti Ogoyi, has subtly absolved herself from any wrongdoing in her encounter with Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate.

She indicated in a statement that she felt that the tarmac had been cleared before taxiing.

Recall that her action and that of the co-pilot nearly led to fatalities as K1 and other airline officials escaped death by whiskers.

Recall also that the pilot had been suspended with her co-pilot, Flight Officer Ivan Oloba, by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for violating safety rules.

The NCAA, which has also blacklisted K1 from flying in Nigeria, petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, to put the musician on trial.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Feasts Keyamo, also confirmed this.

Captain Ogoyi wrote: “During boarding which commenced as scheduled at 8.10am, KWAM1 approached the aircraft at about 08:15–08:20 carrying a gold flask of unknown content.

“Ground staff requested, as per standard procedure, to verify the content of the flask but he vehemently refused.

“He was seen drinking from the flask and the ground staff suspected that it contains alcohol, a substance prohibited onboard aircraft in Nigeria.

“Instead, he responded with comments such as, ‘Do you know who I am? You have no right to tell me to open my flask.’

“As he reached the foot of the aircraft, security personnel reiterated that he could not board without complying with the inspection. He became confrontational, causing a disruption.

“To manage the situation and prevent further delay, I exited the cockpit and approached Mr. Ayinde to engage him amicably. Without warning, he opened the flask and poured its contents on me, the security personnel, and some nearby passengers.

“Following this assault, airport security intervened, and other passengers were allowed to continue boarding. The Head of Security advised that Mr. Ayinde should not be permitted to travel on the flight due to his behaviour. I agreed, prioritising the safety of my passengers and crew.

“After shutting the aircraft doors, I observed that Mr Ayinde was still near the aircraft, obstructing movement. I made a Public Announcement to inform passengers of the delay while security personnel worked to remove him from the area. Once he was moved out of sight, I commenced taxiing and departed for Lagos at approximately 08:50.

“This incident caused significant delay, disruption, and posed safety risks to passengers, crew, and the operation of the flight.”