The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained why popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, better known as K1 de Ultimate (KWAM 1), was not taken to court by ValueJet, in contrast to the ongoing legal action by Ibom Air against its passenger, Comfort Emmanson, over alleged unruly behaviour.
Speaking with Daily Post on Monday, NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, clarified that the regulatory body neither prosecuted KWAM 1 nor Emmanson, stressing that in both cases, it was the airlines involved that had the legal right to initiate court proceedings.
The clarification came after a magistrate court in Ogba, Lagos, ordered the remand of Emmanson in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6. She faces a five-count charge, including assault and willful damage to property, following an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos.
The court’s decision has sparked public debate, with some Nigerians accusing the justice system of selective treatment. Among the critics was Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who described the case as an example of “double standards.”
Responding to the controversy, Achimugu stated that in Emmanson’s case, Ibom Air immediately arrested and charged her to court, exercising its right as a private company. The NCAA, he said, had no role to play once an airline took direct legal action.
“In the Kwam 1 matter, ValueJet did not arrest or sue him in court. Since the NCAA does not have prosecutorial powers, we did the proper thing by referring the case to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Inspector General of Police for possible prosecution,” Achimugu explained.
He added that if ValueJet had chosen to arrest and prosecute KWAM 1 immediately after the incident, the NCAA would not have been involved beyond its regulatory mandate.
The aviation authority had earlier petitioned the Attorney General and the IGP over KWAM 1’s alleged misconduct at a Nigerian airport, leaving further legal action to the discretion of the relevant authorities.
