Embattled Emmanson to remain in Kirikiri prisons till October 6
NCAA clarifies Emmanson’s arrest, explains why K1 walks freely
Favour Rotimi
Public criticism has greeted the arrest of Comfort Emmanson, who was charged and reminded in Kirikiri correctional centre yesterday for assaulting the Ibom Air cabin crew while another actor in a similar incident, the Fuji music maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal is walking freely.
The backlash is coming from Netizens, who are referring to the situation as a double standard.
Meanwhile, in a swift reaction to the criticism, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has moved to set the record straight, clarifying the difference between the similar incidents.
In a statement on Monday, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu said contrary to reports, neither K1 de Ultimate nor Emmanson was taken to court by the aviation regulator.
According to Achimugu, the NCAA has no power to prosecute passengers directly. In the case of K1 de Ultimate, who was accused of obstructing a ValueJet aircraft from taking off in Abuja last week, ValueJet itself did not pursue legal action. The NCAA, therefore, referred the matter to the Attorney General’s office and the police for possible prosecution.
Emmanson’s case, however, played out differently as Ibom Air swiftly handed her over to security officials after she allegedly assaulted cabin crew on a Uyo–Lagos flight. She was later charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The contrasting outcomes are also criticised by the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who also describes Emmanson’s swift prosecution as “double standards” compared to the handling of K1 de Ultimate’s case.
Achimugu stressed that the NCAA only steps in when an airline fails to take action, as in K1 de Ultimate’s incident. “We are not the prosecuting authority,” he noted.
