‘Selective justice’ — LP faction condemns prosecution of Ibom Air passenger

The Nenadi Usman-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has criticised the handling of two separate incidents involving airline cabin crew members, a female passenger, and a popular musician.

In a statement, Ken Asogwa, senior special adviser on media to the LP interim chairperson, said the swift sanction of Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, contrasted sharply with the “silence” over an alleged aviation safety breach involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.

Last week, KWAM 1 made headlines after a confrontation at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

He was temporarily placed on a no-fly list as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) urged the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and inspector-general of police (IGP) to investigate the incident.

Days later, videos surfaced on X showing Emmanson assaulting a flight attendant on an Ibom Air flight and clashing with airport security, prompting the airline to impose a travel ban on her.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) subsequently placed her on a lifetime “no-fly” list, describing the episode as one of the most serious cases of unruly behaviour.

A magistrates’ court in Ogba, Lagos, later ordered that she be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6.

‘INSIDIOUS FORM OF PRETENDED JUSTICE’

Reacting to the development, the LP interim chair said the difference in how both incidents were handled shows that Nigeria’s justice system was “selective”.

Usman said equality before the law is the bedrock of great nations, warning that favouritism undermines the rule of law and threatens national unity.

“Last week, Nigerians were stunned by the disturbing report that a popular Fuji musician, K1 De Ultimate — a personal friend of President Bola Tinubu — allegedly endangered the lives of hundreds of passengers aboard a Value Jet aircraft by attempting to stop a taxiing plane,” the statement reads.

“This flagrant violation of established aviation safety regulations was conveniently glossed over by the relevant authorities, apparently because of the musician’s proximity to the President.”

Acknowledging Emmanson’s misconduct, Usman described her treatment as a “blatant violation” of her constitutional right to dignity.

She said the episode was especially troubling coming after the K1 incident, in which aviation stakeholders allegedly defended the musician instead of condemning his actions.

“The message from these two episodes could not be clearer: if you are connected to those in power, you can flout the law with impunity. If you are not, the system will come down on you with crushing force,” Usman said.

“This selective application of justice is not justice at all — it is the most insidious form of pretended justice.”

Usman urged Tinubu to uphold the national anthem’s pledge of “truth and justice” by ensuring KWAM 1 faces the “same punishment” as Emmanson.

She added that “what is good for the goose must also be good for the gander”.