Police chief directs that justice must be served
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a full scale investigation into the incident involving King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), obstructing the safe operation of the aircraft in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
The directive follows a formal petition submitted by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), accusing KWAM 1 of obstructing the safe operation of an aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate investigation into the behaviour of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 5, 2025.
This announcement was made on August 12, 2025, through a statement by DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
According to the statement, Egbetokun has instructed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to conduct a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident to “unravel the circumstances which led to the ugly incident and ensure justice is served accordingly”.
According to the police statement, Wasiu Ayinde, also known as K1 De Ultimate, “is accused of engaging in unruly conduct that allegedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023, following a reported incident on 5 August 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja”.
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, Comfort Emmanson boarded an Ibom Air aircraft, going from Uyo to Lagos, unaware that her actions would soon ignite a nationwide debate on justice, privilege, and accountability.
As the cabin crew prepared for takeoff, Emmanson was asked to switch off her mobile phone—a standard safety protocol. She reportedly refused. When a fellow passenger turned off the device on her behalf, Emmanson erupted in rage.
Upon landing in Lagos, she was detained on board until other passengers had disembarked. Then, in a shocking display of aggression, she confronted the purser who had earlier instructed her. She slapped the crew member and reportedly attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon.
Security personnel intervened, but Emmanson continued her assault, even allegedly striking the ground supervisor. Viral videos captured the chaos, and within hours, Ibom Air announced a lifetime ban. She was arrested, charged in court, granted bail, and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending when she would perfect her bail conditions.
Just days earlier, another aviation incident had unfolded—this time involving Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1. At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja, Ayinde attempted to board a ValueJet flight with a flask containing liquid, violating aviation regulations.
When denied boarding, he reportedly obstructed the aircraft’s movement, delaying the flight.
Unlike Emmanson, Ayinde was not arrested or charged. Instead, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) placed him on an indefinite no-fly list pending investigation.
The disparity in treatment sparked outrage. Activists, lawyers, and everyday Nigerians flooded social media with accusations of selective justice.
The NCAA defended its actions, stating that Ibom Air had activated its legal rights by pressing charges, while ValueJet had not.
“It’s not a case of oranges and oranges,” said NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu. “Airlines have the discretion to prosecute or not.”
