The detention of Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger accused of assaulting Ibom Air staff, has sparked outrage over alleged double standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The incident occurred on a Uyo–Lagos flight, where Emmanson reportedly refused to switch off her phone before take-off, slapped crew members, and resisted security. Ibom Air claims she almost used a fire extinguisher to attack staff before being restrained. She has been permanently banned from flying with the airline, reported to the NCAA, and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after being charged in court.
However, many Nigerians on social media are questioning why Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), accused of obstructing a ValueJet flight in Abuja last week, has faced no prosecution. Critics say this highlights “selective justice,” with rules applied differently to the influential and the ordinary citizen.
FAAN has urged all passengers to obey aviation regulations, warning that violations could lead to prosecution. But for many Nigerians, the contrasting treatment of Emmanson and KWAM 1 remains a symbol of inequality in the country’s justice system.
