The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has clarified the circumstances behind the contrasting legal outcomes involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate, and Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson.
In a statement on Monday, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said the agency has no authority to directly prosecute passengers.
He explained that in K1 de Ultimate’s case—where the singer was accused of delaying a ValueJet flight in Abuja—the airline did not press charges.
The NCAA, therefore, referred the matter to the Attorney General’s office and the police for possible action.
Emmanson’s case unfolded differently.
She was accused of assaulting cabin crew on a Uyo–Lagos Ibom Air flight and was immediately handed over to security operatives. She was later charged to court and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
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The disparity has drawn public criticism, with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, calling it an example of “double standards.”
Achimugu stressed that the NCAA intervenes only when airlines fail to take action, as happened with the ValueJet incident.
“We are not the prosecuting authority,” he said.
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