Ibom Air Passenger’s Kirikiri Remand Sparks Selective Justice Debate in Nigeria
The remand of Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger accused of assaulting an Ibom Air cabin crew member and security officers during a Uyo–Lagos flight, has ignited nationwide outrage and accusations of selective justice in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Viral social media clips show Emmanson slapping and kicking airline and airport officials, including a female air hostess, after allegedly refusing repeated instructions to switch off her phone before takeoff. In another video, she is seen being forcibly removed from the aircraft by security personnel.
Airline’s Statement on the Incident
In an official statement, Ibom Air alleged that Emmanson attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon before being restrained. The airline reported the case to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and imposed a permanent travel ban on her.
“Ms Emmanson will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft,” Ibom Air confirmed, adding that it had submitted a detailed incident report to the NCAA.
Government’s Response
According to Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Emmanson was charged to court and is now being held at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
“All the more reason the flying public should be more careful,” Moshood wrote on his verified X account, warning passengers against unruly behaviour.
Public Outcry Over Alleged Double Standards
The incident has stirred debate over unequal application of justice, especially when compared to the recent case of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1).
KWAM 1 allegedly disrupted a ValueJet flight in Abuja, blocked the aircraft from departing, and poured alcohol on a pilot — but faced no legal consequences.
Social media users have drawn sharp contrasts between the two cases:
- @EmmyPromise71: “Some animals are more equal than others. Nigeria is my country.”
- @Ronaldnziroma: “The Ibom Air passenger fought an air hostess and is in prison. KWAM 1 assaulted crew, blocked a plane, and is chilling at home.”
- @yongmayor: “Nigerian laws are only written for the poor.”
Political and Civil Society Reactions
Media aide Paul Ibe questioned why KWAM 1 was not also removed and prosecuted:
“Maybe it was because Comfort is not a friend of the president. Authorities should have made an example of KWAM 1 to prevent copycat incidents.”
Facebook users echoed the same sentiment:
- Simeon Owomorinle: “If this one could be remanded in prison, what about K1?”
- Oma Kantaga: “Rich man’s misbehaviour is entertainment; poor man’s is a crime.”
- Toc Emmar: “Let them do the same to K1 and Oshiomhole. Selective justice must stop.”
FAAN’s Reminder to Passengers
Amid the uproar, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a statement urging all travellers to strictly adhere to aviation laws and safety protocols to avoid sanctions.
Key Issues Raised by the Case
This incident has brought several pressing questions to the forefront:
- Are aviation laws applied equally to all passengers, regardless of status?
- Should lifetime travel bans be imposed without independent investigations?
- How can Nigeria ensure fair and transparent enforcement of aviation safety rules?
With Emmanson still in custody and calls for KWAM 1’s prosecution growing louder, the controversy continues to dominate public discourse — both in Nigeria and internationally.
