Turbulence In The Skies: NCAA Grounds ValueJet Pilots Over Shocking Safety Breach At Abuja Airport!

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken swift disciplinary action by suspending two ValueJet pilots after what has been described as a serious breach of aviation safety protocols at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to iReporter Online, the incident occurred on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the airport’s Domestic Terminal, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed the development during a live session on his verified ‘X’ space.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Captain Oluranti Ogoyi initiated departure procedures from the designated bay without securing the mandatory pre-departure clearance—a move deemed reckless and in violation of established aviation safety regulations.

Achimugu stressed that the unauthorized action by Captain Ogoyi endangered the safety of ground personnel and other airport users, both locally and internationally. Consequently, the NCAA announced the immediate suspension of the licences of both Captain Ogoyi and his co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba.

According to iReporter Online, the suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Authority views this incident with utmost seriousness,” Achimugu stated, emphasizing NCAA’s zero-tolerance stance on safety violations.

He further assured Nigerians that the NCAA is committed to ensuring the highest level of operational safety in the aviation sector.

According to iReporter Online, the regulatory body is also using this moment to reinforce strict compliance across all carriers operating within Nigeria.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”