THE arrest and remand of Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, now nicknamed “KWAM 2” by social media users, has set off a storm of criticism over what many describe as blatant double standards in Nigeria’s handling of aviation security breaches.
News Point Nigeria reports that Emmanson, accused of assaulting airline officials during a heated altercation aboard an Ibom Air flight, was swiftly arraigned in court and ordered remanded at Kirikiri Prison pending her next hearing.
Her case has drawn sharp comparisons with that of Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate or KWAM 1, who just days earlier was involved in a separate airport incident but faced no formal charges.
According to reports, KWAM1 was at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5 when he allegedly carried a flask onboard and, during a confrontation, splashed its contents on an aviation security officer.
Some witnesses claimed the flask contained alcohol, though the singer insisted it was water prescribed for medical reasons.
Instead of facing prosecution, KWAM1 recorded a public apology to the Presidency, aviation authorities, and Nigerians, expressing regret for the altercation.
That apology appeared to close the matter, at least for him.
Multiple sources allege that influential figures, including Lagos transport union boss MC Oluomo, intervened on his behalf, reportedly speaking to top officials to ensure the matter did not escalate into legal action.
By contrast, Emmanson’s case moved at lightning speed but in the opposite direction.
The Ibom Air passenger allegedly refused instructions from crew members and physically assaulted an airline staffer during boarding.
Within hours, she was charged to court and ordered into remand at Kirikiri Prison, with no option of administrative settlement or an apology deal.
What has particularly enraged Nigerians is the stark difference in treatment between her and KWAM1.
Instagram user #yung_hannibal wrote: “Apology is enough. What is good for KWAM1 is good for KWAM 2.”
#heychiomaa added: “Why is she being remanded? She should just apologize and be forgiven. What is good for egusi is good for uganda. K1 poured water on an officer — that’s assault too.”
#papiwemba wrote: “But K1 is at home? After spilling drinks on a captain and hijacking a plane? In this country if you don’t have political power, just waka jeje.”
Another commenter, #hrhdejavu, slammed what they saw as political favoritism: “Serious double standard. This lady is now the scapegoat while K1 was allowed to walk away freely with an apology. Nigeria my country — citizens, you better know person.”
Several voices demanded that if Emmanson is being prosecuted, KWAM1 should be too.
#ijodee_arts wrote: “While K1’s apology is acknowledged, the prescribed legal penalty should still be enforced. Doing so will send a clear message that aviation laws apply to all, not just to those without influence.”
Others mocked the situation with nicknames like “K2 De Ultimate” and “KWAM2,” suggesting that in Nigeria, fame or connections determine whether you walk free or land in prison.
Adding another layer to the scandal, some Nigerians have called for an investigation into an Ibom Air crew member alleged to have filmed Emmanson partially nude during the altercation.
They accuse the airline of violating her privacy and say the staffer could face legal consequences.
Legal expert. Haruna Dan Auwal told this News Point Nigeria that perceived double standards in enforcement erode public trust in the justice system.
Aviation analyst, Tunde Adebayo told this newspaper that: “If the law is applied selectively, it ceases to be law. It becomes privilege. The Civil Aviation Act and security regulations do not distinguish between celebrity and ordinary passenger.”
For now, Comfort Emmanson remains in Kirikiri Prison awaiting her court date, while KWAM1 is free, his matter seemingly closed after an apology and high-level interventions.
The saga has sparked a broader debate about class, influence, and equality before the law in Nigeria, with many warning that unless both cases are treated with the same legal seriousness, public faith in the justice system will suffer further damage.