KWAM 1 ‘Assault’ Allegation: Why Is The AGF Still Silent?

The rapid prosecution of Comfort Emmanson — accused of assaulting airline crew on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos — has sparked public debate over alleged “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Emmanson was arraigned on August 11, less than 24 hours after the incident, on a five-count charge of assault and wilful property damage.

She was remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6. Her forcible removal from the aircraft, which resulted in her indecent exposure, and the swiftness of her prosecution have drawn sharp criticism.

In contrast, nearly a week after Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, was involved in a high-profile altercation aboard a ValueJet flight from Abuja to Lagos on August 5, he is yet to face charges — despite the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) petitioning the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his prosecution.

According to reports, KWAM 1 was confronted by a flight attendant after being seen drinking from a flask suspected to contain alcohol, which is prohibited onboard. He allegedly claimed it contained doctor-prescribed medication and refused to surrender it.

The crew eventually deboarded him, but he reportedly moved to the front of the aircraft in an attempt to block its takeoff. Viral videos show him in a heated exchange with airport officials before the plane veered off, forcing him and others to dodge its wings.

The NCAA has suspended the licences of two ValueJet pilots for safety breaches and placed KWAM 1 on a no-fly list pending investigations, describing his actions as conduct that “amounts to an act of terrorism in some other countries.”

Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, confirmed that the agency has urged the AGF and IGP to prosecute the musician in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 and other relevant laws.

While Emmanson’s case moved from incident to arraignment within a day, no court date has been set for KWAM 1. Achimugu said the probe involves coordination between several aviation agencies, including FAAN, AVSEC, and NAMA.

The AGF’s office — which holds the authority to initiate or halt prosecutions — has not responded to inquiries, leaving the question of when, or if, KWAM 1 will face charges unanswered.