The recent incident involving renowned musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as (Kwam 1), and ValueJet Airlines, where an aircraft reportedly took off while individuals were still visibly present on the tarmac, represents a serious breakdown in aviation safety and operational procedure. This is not simply unfortunate; it is a glaring failure that calls for immediate and decisive action.
At Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd, we consider this event a multi-layered breach of protocol. That a public altercation involving a civilian occurred within a restricted airport zone, followed by a plane taking off under such visibly unsafe conditions, raises serious concerns about security enforcement, procedural discipline, and overall industry compliance.
While we acknowledge Kwam 1’s stature as a cultural icon, it is imperative to state that no individual, regardless of status or public recognition, should interfere with airport operations. His reported presence and conduct within a restricted area disrupted normal processes and posed a threat to public safety. We therefore call for an investigation into his role in this incident. If found culpable, he must be held accountable in accordance with aviation laws and regulations.
Equally disturbing is the conduct of the ValueJet crew and pilot, who proceeded with takeoff despite the visible presence of civilians on the tarmac. This decision reflects a serious lapse in judgment and a violation of basic safety protocols. It also shows a disregard for the lives of passengers and ground personnel.
To restore public trust and uphold national and international aviation standards, we call for the following actions:
- Continuation of the independent investigation with full transparency and timely reporting of findings.
- A full operational and security audit of ValueJet, including a review of crew training, emergency decision-making procedures, and compliance with aviation regulations.
- Sanctions against airport security personnel who failed to enforce access control and maintain the integrity of restricted areas.
- Investigation into Kwam 1’s conduct, with appropriate penalties applied where violations are confirmed.
- Public disclosure of investigation outcomes and a clear outline of reforms and preventive measures to avoid a recurrence.
Passenger safety must never be compromised by influence, carelessness, or a culture of impunity. This incident is not simply about one individual or one airline. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to uphold discipline, accountability, and professionalism across all sectors of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
We urge the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and all relevant agencies to respond decisively. The safety and security of every Nigerian citizen must remain paramount at all times.
– Seyi Babaeko,
MD/CEO, Absolute Security and Advance Protocol Ltd
