Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Addresses Incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) wishes to formally address the incident that occurred on Monday, 5th August 2025, at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The incident involved a notable Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (also known as K1 De Ultimate), and a pilot of ValueJet Airlines.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that the passenger was scheduled to board the morning flight to Lagos operated by ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201). During boarding, the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and the Flight Captain.

In accordance with international aviation security standards—specifically, Nigeria’s National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) and ICAO Annex 17—liquids exceeding 100ml are not permitted through security screening unless medically necessary and properly declared. The passenger was informed of this regulation but reportedly declined to comply.

As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for further clarification. The passenger allegedly refused and spilled the contents of the flask on the officer, which turned out to be alcohol. The Flight Captain intervened but faced similar resistance. After confirming that boarding was complete, she instructed the closure of the aircraft door.

At this juncture, the passenger moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to leave the area despite repeated requests. He was ultimately escorted away by AVSEC crime unit for further investigation, after which he was released.

FAAN reiterates its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel. The Authority will not tolerate any actions that compromise operational integrity or undermine aviation safety standards, regardless of the individuals involved.

This matter remains under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law.

FAAN is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and regulatory compliance across all Nigerian airports.

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the immediate launch of a free healthcare programme for low-income retirees under Nigeria’s contributory pension scheme (CPS).

According to a statement released on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu said the initiative is a vital part of his administration’s pledge to social protection and ensuring dignity after retirement.

Onanuga noted that the directive followed a briefing by Omolola Oloworaran, the director general of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), held at the State House in Abuja.

He also called for the prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee, which would provide a safety net for the most vulnerable pensioners under the CPS.

The president further instructed PenCom to swiftly resolve the persistent issue concerning police pensions, stating that security officers who commit their lives to defending the country should be able to retire peacefully.

During the briefing, Oloworaran informed Tinubu about the efforts being made to preserve the value of pension fund assets in the face of inflation and economic difficulties.

She also discussed upcoming plans to allow Nigerians living abroad to contribute to the pension system through foreign currency options.

Tinubu expressed his full backing for the proposed reforms, reaffirming that his government is focused on inclusive development and securing the future of average Nigerians.

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has declared that it is cutting off relations with the Church in Wales after Bishop Cherry Vann, who is openly lesbian, was appointed as Archbishop of Wales.

The announcement came in an official statement dated August 3, 2025, and signed by the Primate, Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba.

“We do not recognise the so-called Archbishop of Wales and cannot share communion with a church that has departed from the teachings of the Bible,” the statement said.

The Church noted that the development marks a serious deviation from biblical principles concerning sexuality and leadership in the Anglican faith.

“The election of a practising lesbian as an archbishop is not only a departure from the faith once delivered to the saints, but a defiance of God’s order,” said Primate Ndukuba.

The Church of Nigeria also announced that it is placing the Church in Wales in a “state of impaired communion,” meaning there will no longer be any formal fellowship, joint worship, or ministerial collaboration.

“In line with our commitment to the authority of Scripture and the historic Christian faith, we declare a state of impaired communion with the Church in Wales,” the statement added.

The Church compared this decision to earlier breaks with the U.S. Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church of Canada, which it said were based on similar doctrinal issues.

“The Church in Wales has chosen to walk in the path of spiritual ruin,” Ndukuba said, warning that such actions “undermine the witness and mission of the Church.”

He reaffirmed the Church of Nigeria’s alignment with GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference) and other conservative Anglican bodies globally.

“We stand firm in our call to uphold biblical faith, and we will not compromise with churches that embrace unbiblical innovations,” the statement emphasised.

The Church wrapped up the statement by advising members to avoid any collaboration in ministry or worship with the Church in Wales or its delegates.