The arrest and remand of an Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, now dubbed “KWAM 2” has ignited fresh controversy over alleged double standards in Nigeria’s handling of aviation security breaches.
Emmanson was charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri Prison after allegedly assaulting airline officials on an Ibom Air flight.
However, some Nigerians are now comparing her case to that of Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1, whose airport incident last week was followed by an apology.
KWAM 1 reportedly carried a flask onboard at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, and allegedly splashed its contents on an officer during a heated exchange.
In a follow-up video, the singer denied the flask contained alcohol, insisting it was water for medical reasons, and apologised to the Presidency, aviation authorities, and Nigerians at large.
Some social media users are now of the opinion that KWAM 1 and Emmanson’s incidents, which they classify as aviation offences, should be treated with the same legal weight.
On Instagram, #yung_hannibal wrote, “Apology is enough .. what is good for KWAM1 is good for KWAM 2.”
#heychiomaa also commented, “Why is she being remanded? She should just apologize and all will be forgiven. What is good for egusi is good for uganda. K1 poured water on the officer. That is an assault.
“He also went in front of the plane and tried to physically restrain it from moving. Since we are now calling for punishment for assault, K1 should also be charged to court. The offence is the same.”
#papiwemba wrote, “But K1 is at home? After spilling drinks on captain and hijacking a plane. In this country if you don’t have political power. Just waka jeje.”
#hrhdejavu also wrote, “Serious double standard … this lady is now the scape goat while K1 was allowed to walk away freely with an apology. Nigeria my Country Citizens you better know person.”
#ijodee_arts commented, “This is precisely the course of action aviation security should have taken when K1 also refused to comply with the Captain’s instructions. If this unidentified woman is now to be lawfully prosecuted and face the full consequences, then the same standard must be applied to K1.
“While K1’s apology is acknowledged and accepted, the prescribed legal penalty should still be enforced as outlined by law. Doing so will set a clear example for anyone who seeks to break the rules of Nigerian aviation.”
Some others accused authorities of favouritism, pointing to reports that Lagos transport union leader MC Oluomo intervened on K1’s behalf.
“Make them plead on K2’s behalf as well,” #ashad0206 wrote, while #oluwakemi_ahmed quipped, “K2 De Ultimate.”
On Twitter, #OurFavOnlineDoc wrote: Comfort Emmanson, the passenger who assaulted airline officials on that Ibom Air flight has reportedly been charged to court and is now remanded in KiriKiri prisons for her next court appearance. So KWAM2 is already in prison while KWAM1 is chilling at home for the same offence.”
#OmotayoShokefun also commented, “If to say K1 don dey prison already, this thing for no dey happen. Funny thing be say .. kwam 2 go go prison or pay fine .. but kwam 1 will be a free man.”
Some individuals also demanded consequences for the Ibom Air crew member alleged to have filmed Emmanson while she was partially nude during the altercation, accusing the airline of breaching her privacy.
#iam_damayor wrote, “The ibom air staff that recorded Kwam2 nude part and posted it is going to be in very serious trouble. Ibom air will also be held culpable unless he is indeed not their staff.”
The controversy also spilled onto Facebook, with Ohioma Imonikhe warning: “K1 escaped, but K2 couldn’t. A serious warning to K3 as well as all the intending Kssssss.”
