Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has sparked concern over alleged dr¥g use among Nigerian pilots, claiming that some sm%ke Indian hemp before flying passengers.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary session, Kalu urged aviation regulators to take immediate action to safeguard travelers, accusing agencies of negligence and p++r oversight.
“The agencies overseeing these pilots are not doing enough. I’ve personally refused to board a flight because the pilot didn’t seem normal. Some of them sm%ke Indian h+mp yes, it’s true,” he said.
He faulted aviation authorities such as the NCAA and NEMA for failing to conduct proper medical and dr¥g assessments. “Pilots walk into the cockpit without anyone checking their bl++d pressure or dr¥g level. There’s no on-the-spot testing. It’s dang+rous,” he warned.
Kalu recounted once stopping a flight over concerns about a pilot’s condition and urged the Minister of Aviation to step up supervision. “Some take Indian hemp like cigar+ttes. If you go close, you can smell it,” he alleged.
His remarks come weeks after the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) reportedly said two Air Peace pilots tested positive for alc+hol and cann@bis following a July 2025 runway incident at Port Harcourt International Airport.
Air Peace, however, dismissed the claim, saying no crew member tested positive and that the airline enforces a zero-tolerance policy on substance use. “Our crew were tested within an hour, and all results were negative,” the airline stated.
About The Author
More Stories
Tinubu’s Ministers meet UK officials over imprisoned Senator Ike Ekweremadu
UK Government Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria, Flags 20 States as High-Risk for Travel
Police officers in Celebratory mood discharge G+nshots as INEC declares Soludo Winner of Anambra Governorship Election