By Peter Omopo
The Federal Government has dropped earlier punitive measures against popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, and Ms. Comfort Emmason, a passenger on an Akwa Ibom-owned airline, following separate airport incidents that sparked public outrage.
Investigations by Saturday PUNCH revealed that KWAM 1 issued an apology after pressure from influential figures, while Emmason’s charges were withdrawn after a review of the airline’s role and the potential legal consequences for both parties.
The Incidents
On August 10, Emmason was removed from a Lagos-Uyo flight after allegedly refusing to turn off her phone. The altercation escalated, with reports that she struck a flight attendant, prompting security to restrain and escort her off the aircraft at Murtala Mohammed International Airport. Ibom Air imposed a lifetime ban on her from its flights and initiated legal action, leading to her remand at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Five days earlier, on August 5, KWAM 1 disrupted a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by attempting to board with a flask containing prohibited liquid. When asked to surrender it, he reportedly poured its contents on airline staff and obstructed the aircraft. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, and KWAM 1 was initially given a six-month flight ban.
Government Intervention and Reversals
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, announced that criminal complaints against both Emmason and KWAM 1 were withdrawn. He further instructed the NCAA to appoint KWAM 1 as an ambassador for airport security protocols.
Insiders told Saturday PUNCH that government officials and airline authorities opted for alternative conflict resolution to prevent protracted lawsuits. Preliminary findings suggested that the airlines bore some responsibility for the incidents, particularly in Emmason’s case.
Eyewitness Accounts and Reactions
Videos of Emmason being dragged off the aircraft half-naked went viral, sparking widespread criticism. Ibom Air denied releasing the footage, while a co-passenger, Ogebe David, confirmed witnessing unprofessional conduct from the flight attendant but defended Emmason from excessive mistreatment.
Emmason herself shared her side on Facebook, describing harassment and intimidation by airline staff. She stated she had no intention of causing disruption and emphasized that the incident arose from a faulty phone power button and aggressive behavior by the cabin crew.
Support and Job Offer
In a separate development, Success Ossai, Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Media, offered Emmason a personal monthly salary of N500,000, including accommodation, flight tickets, and a guided tour, to help reintegrate her into society. Ossai clarified that the gesture was personal and not romantic or governmental in nature.
Public Interest Lawsuit
Meanwhile, public interest lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi filed a N500 billion suit against the Federal Government, NCAA, FAA, Ibom Air, ValueJet, KWAM 1, and other stakeholders. Ademiluyi cited violation of the rule of law, highlighting the unequal treatment of KWAM 1 and Emmason. He criticized the appointment of KWAM 1 as an aviation ambassador, arguing it sends the wrong message about accountability.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeks to hold aviation stakeholders accountable and ensure that prominence does not exempt anyone from legal responsibility.
This resolution marks a controversial end to a saga that has divided public opinion over fairness, governance, and the treatment of passengers in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
