- Ms. Emmanson remains in Kirikiri
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun yesterday ordered an investigation into the alleged obstruction of a Value Jet aircraft by Fuji Musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1).
The incident occurred on August 5 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Domestic Wing), Abuja.
The musician was prevented from boarding with a bottle of liquid, which he said was water.
His reaction allegedly obstructed the safe operation of the aircraft, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023. He later apologised.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), said the probe directive followed the receipt of a petition from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
Adejobi said: “The Police have received an official petition from the NCAA over an alleged incident involving Mr. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1).
“In response, the IG, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the matter, to unravel the circumstances which led to the ugly incident and ensure justice is served accordingly.
“The Force hereby assures the public of its commitment to upholding safety and security within Nigeria’s aviation sector, while assuring stakeholders in the sector of improved collaboration towards aviation security and strict compliance with aviation laws.”
The musician was out on the no-fly list by the NCAA in addition to letters advising the IG to investigate and the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute him.
The pilot and co-pilot of the Value Jet Airline also got their licenses suspended pending the conclusion of information.
Regarding another incident, the Senate and lawyers weighed in yesterday on the remand of Ibom Air passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, demanding a probe.
Ms. Emmanson was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Monday after she was arraigned for the alleged assault of a cabin crew member.
She was arraigned at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remanded because she could not provide adequate sureties.
Sources said she was still remanded at the Correctional Centre yesterday due to a mix-up in her remand order.
It was learnt that the warrant was returned to the court for correction.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Dr Doyin Awolaye, confirmed that he would represent Ms. Emmanson.
“The family briefed me to represent her in all matters concerning the incident,” he told our reporter last night.
The Senate said it would investigate recent airline passenger incidents.
Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai, in a statement, said the incidents have raised questions about operational standards, passenger rights, and the overall discipline within Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He said these developments demand immediate and coordinated action to protect the integrity of the sector and restore public confidence.
“In the exercise of its constitutional powers, the Committee will be engaging key regulatory bodies, operators, security agencies, and public interest groups to establish the facts, review existing procedures, and ensure that any necessary corrective measures are swiftly implemented.
“We will not allow procedural gaps or lapses in enforcement to undermine safety, professionalism, or public trust in our aviation system.
“The Senate Committee on Aviation will ensure accountability at all levels,” the Senator said.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the treatment meted out to Ms. Emmanson by Ibom Air staff, describing it as reckless and a violation of her right to dignity.
In a statement by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the association slammed the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for imposing a lifetime flight ban on the passenger without affording her a fair hearing.
The association called the decision heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.
The NBA expressed outrage over reports and video evidence showing Ms. Emmanson being forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and filmed in a humiliating state — footage that was later circulated online.
“Such conduct is degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector,” the statement read.
The association also alleged that an Ibom Air hostess prevented Ms. Emmanson from disembarking the aircraft, a move it said could constitute false imprisonment and may have provoked the confrontation.
It insisted on an independent investigation before any disciplinary measures are taken.
“The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally,” NBA stated.
It further condemned the unedited filming and online distribution of the incident, calling it “an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act.”
It demanded the prosecution of those responsible for recording and circulating the footage without concealing Ms. Emmanson’s nudity.
As part of its demands, the NBA called on Ibom Air to immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology, and cooperate fully with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Aviation, the NCAA, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), in conducting a thorough inquiry.
The NBA pledged to offer Ms. Emmanson pro bono legal support to seek redress for the alleged violations.
“We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals.
“Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised, and in this matter, justice must prevail,” the statement concluded.
Also, the Lagos Branch of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, said it was outraged by the forced removal of Ms. Emmanson from an Ibom Air aircraft and the exposure of her body.
AWLS described the treatment as utterly unacceptable, degrading, and in clear violation of the dignity and fundamental human rights of the victim.
The Coordinator, Adesola Bello, said: “We strongly condemn not only the unprofessional and inhumane actions of the airline crew, but also the complicity of airport security officials whose duty is to protect and ensure the safety of passengers, not to participate in or permit acts of humiliation.”
AWLA said the incident underscored the urgent need for a thorough, independent investigation into the matter by relevant authorities, including FAAN, the NCAA, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
It called for the suspension and sanction of all crew members and security officials involved pending the outcome of the investigation.
“There must be adequate compensation and a public apology to the victim for the psychological trauma, physical exposure, and reputational harm suffered.
“The AWLA stands firmly against any form of violence, humiliation, or abuse targeted at women and girls.
“We will continue to advocate for the protection of women’s rights, demand accountability from institutions, and ensure that incidents like this are met with swift justice.
“We call on all stakeholders in the aviation industry to treat passengers with respect and humanity at all times, regardless of any disagreements or operational challenges.”
NCAA: why Kwam 1 was not charged
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, Mike Achimugu, clarified the agency’s role in the two passenger incidents, saying the authority only intervenes where necessary and within its mandate.
Speaking on a television programme, Achimugu said in the case involving KWAM 1, the airline did not press charges.
“The airline [in the singer’s case] did not activate its right to take the passenger to court.
“As a result, the NCAA petitioned relevant authorities to prosecute the passenger, issuing an advisory to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to have the passenger banned,” Achimugu said.
In the Ibom Air case where a passenger assaulted the airline’s staff member, he explained that the carrier immediately exercised its right to take up the matter in court.
“Maybe because their staff had been assaulted, the airline immediately activated its right to take up the matter, and it went to court, so the NCAA is not involved in the case of the Ibom Air passenger,” he said.
He dismissed allegations of double standards.
The charges against Emmanson
The police said Ms. Emmanson (Bob), on August 10, while onboard Ibom Aircraft No. 5N-BXP parked at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Ikeja, “did behave in an unruly and disorderly manner by shouting on top of your voice, abusing and assaulting the flight crew and refusing to disembark from the aircraft after landing.”
The alleged offence is contrary to Section 4 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 4(2) of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) bye law 2005.
The charge said the accused “did assault one Juliana Edward by slapping and hitting her cheeks with your right hand and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 170 (1) (a) (b) and punishable under Section 172 of The Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015”.
Ms. Emmanson, in Count Three, allegedly assaulted one Jokpame Sagun “by hitting her face with your slippers.”
She was also accused of “willfully” damaging the aircraft divider cotton valued at $2,500 belonging to Ibom Air, an offence contrary to Section 350 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
