ValueJet Airlines says it has launched an internal investigation following a safety breach involving its crew at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Tuesday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the airline confirmed that the crew members involved have been removed from active duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
“ValueJet is aware of the incident that occurred on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving one of our aircraft departing from the designated bay,” the statement read.
The airline said the investigation aims to uncover the root cause of the incident and implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licences of the two pilots involved—Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba—with immediate effect.
According to a statement by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the pilots violated safety procedures at the domestic terminal, putting ground personnel and other airport users at risk.
Preliminary findings by the NCAA indicated that the aircraft commenced departure procedures without obtaining the mandatory pre-departure clearance, in contravention of civil aviation regulations and international safety standards.
The NCAA said the suspension would remain in effect pending the conclusion of a full investigation, adding that it remains committed to upholding aviation safety across the country.
