Oluranti Ogoyi

Captain Oluranti Ogoyi is a Nigerian commercial airline pilot with over a decade of aviation experience. She gained public attention following an incident on August 5, 2025, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where she, as the pilot in command of a ValueJet flight, was involved in a safety-related altercation with Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate. The incident led to the temporary suspension of her pilot’s license by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), prompting debate within Nigeria’s aviation community.

Early Life and Education

Details about Captain Oluranti Ogoyi’s early life, including her date of birth, hometown, and educational background, are not publicly documented. Her professional journey suggests she underwent rigorous flight training, likely at an accredited aviation academy, to obtain her commercial pilot’s license and subsequent type ratings for aircraft such as those operated by Arik Air and ValueJet.

Career

Captain Ogoyi has been a licensed pilot for over 10 years, with a career spanning multiple Nigerian airlines. She began flying with Arik Air, one of Nigeria’s major carriers, where she accumulated significant experience before joining ValueJet Airlines several years ago. As a captain at ValueJet, she commands flights, including the Bombardier CRJ series, and is responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations. Her tenure in aviation reflects her expertise in handling complex flight operations and adherence to safety protocols.

ValueJet Incident (August 2025)

On August 5, 2025, Captain Ogoyi was the pilot in command of ValueJet Flight VK201, scheduled from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to Lagos. The flight became the center of a high-profile incident involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate). According to reports, K1 attempted to board the aircraft with a gold flask containing an unidentified liquid, later confirmed to be alcohol, in violation of Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17, which prohibit liquids exceeding 100ml unless medically necessary and declared.

Captain Ogoyi and her crew, including First Officer Ivan Oloba, requested K1 to comply with security inspections. When he refused and reportedly became confrontational, pouring the flask’s contents on Ogoyi, security personnel, and nearby passengers, the situation escalated. K1 was escorted away by the Aviation Security (AVSEC) crime unit for questioning and later released. However, preliminary NCAA findings indicated that Ogoyi and Oloba initiated departure procedures without mandatory pre-departure clearance from Air Traffic Control, a breach of safety protocols that endangered ground personnel. A viral video showed K1 walking near the aircraft as it began moving, raising concerns about a potential collision.

The NCAA suspended the licenses of Captain Ogoyi and First Officer Oloba on August 5, 2025, pending a full investigation, emphasizing that the action was not an indictment but a precautionary measure to uphold safety standards. ValueJet removed both pilots from active duty and initiated an internal review, reaffirming its commitment to regulatory compliance.

Aftermath and Advocacy

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has publicly demanded that the NCAA lift the suspensions of Captain Ogoyi and First Officer Oloba, arguing that the pilots’ actions were in response to a disruptive passenger and that the suspension was overly punitive. The association’s stance reflects broader concerns within the aviation community about balancing crew authority with regulatory oversight.

K1’s spokesperson, Kunle Rasheed, denied allegations of unruly behavior, claiming the flask contained plain water and that the incident was exaggerated. He further stated that senior airport and airline officials apologized to K1 and offered a private jet to Lagos, which he declined. These claims remain unverified and contrast with FAAN and NCAA reports confirming the liquid as alcohol.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and NCAA continue to investigate the incident, with FAAN emphasizing that all parties found culpable will face consequences under aviation laws. The NCAA has reiterated its commitment to passenger, aircraft, and airport safety, noting that the investigation will determine the final outcome for Ogoyi and Oloba.

Public Reaction

The incident sparked polarized reactions on social media and in Nigerian news outlets. Some praised Captain Ogoyi for her adherence to safety protocols in preventing K1 from boarding with an unverified substance, with posts on X describing her as a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience. Others criticized the decision to initiate departure without clearance, citing the potential danger to ground personnel, including K1, who was near the aircraft. The controversy has fueled discussions about passenger compliance, crew decision-making, and perceived inconsistencies in Nigeria’s aviation enforcement, particularly when compared to the Ibom Air incident involving Comfort Emmanson days later.

Personal Life

No public information is available regarding Captain Oluranti Ogoyi’s personal life, including her family, marital status, or interests outside aviation. Her professional reputation as a skilled and experienced pilot has been highlighted in media coverage following the August 2025 incident.

Legacy and Impact

Captain Ogoyi’s involvement in the ValueJet incident has underscored the challenges pilots face in managing unruly passengers while adhering to strict safety protocols. The temporary suspension of her license, alongside advocacy from NAAPE, highlights ongoing tensions between regulatory enforcement and operational realities in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The incident has also prompted calls for clearer guidelines on handling passenger disruptions and ensuring consistent application of aviation laws.

As of August 14, 2025, the NCAA’s investigation remains ongoing, with no confirmed date for the resolution of Ogoyi’s suspension. Her case continues to be a focal point for discussions on aviation safety, crew accountability, and passenger behavior in Nigeria.

References

• Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) statement, August 5, 2025.
• Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) statement, August 6, 2025.
• ValueJet Airlines statement, August 6, 2025.
• News reports from Vanguard, Leadership, BusinessDay, and Sahara Reporters, August 2025.
• Social media posts on X, August 7–8, 2025.

Note: Allegations regarding the nature of the liquid in K1’s flask and the extent of his behavior remain contested and are subject to ongoing investigation by the NCAA and FAAN.