Abiodun Lasile, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom and founder of the Sixth Sense Initiative, has raised concerns about fairness in Nigeria’s aviation sector following the recent controversies involving Fuji musician Kwam 1 and Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson.
Lasile, in a statement on Monday, pointed to clear double standards in the handling of both cases. While Kwam 1 was placed on a no-fly list and is yet to face prosecution, Emmanson was swiftly handed over to the police, banned for life by Ibom Air, and remanded in Kirikiri Prison after allegedly assaulting a flight attendant.
In his statement, Lasile said, “Justice in any society must be blind to status or influence. When rules are bent for some and strictly enforced for others, it erodes trust and weakens our rule of law. No one should be above the law, not a celebrity, not an ordinary citizen.”
He added, “The swift and harsh punishment meted out to Comfort Emmanson, contrasted with the delay in prosecuting Kwam 1, feeds into a dangerous culture of entitlement. This ‘Do you know me?’ syndrome only deepens division and undermines our progress as a nation.”
The incidents have sparked widespread debate on accountability in Nigeria’s aviation industry. Many question why different standards apply to individuals depending on their social standing.
Kwam 1 was involved in an incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, where he allegedly obstructed a ValueJet flight and spilled liquid on airport staff.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) responded by placing him on a no-fly list and petitioning the Attorney General and the police for prosecution.
Meanwhile, Comfort Emmanson refused to switch off her phone during an Ibom Air flight, reportedly assaulted a flight attendant, and was immediately arrested, banned, and remanded in prison.
Lasile urged, “This is a critical moment for Nigeria to demonstrate fairness, discipline, and respect for the law. We must reject selective justice if we hope to build a nation that thrives on equality and accountability.”
He concluded, “The aviation sector must lead by example, ensuring all passengers and staff are treated with equal respect and justice. Only then can Nigeria truly advance and compete with the best in the world.”
