A wave of online outrage has swept through Nigeria as citizens highlight perceived double standards in the handling of two high-profile aviation disruptions.

While Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) faces investigations but remains free after blocking a ValueJet flight, Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight, was swiftly arraigned and remanded to Kirikiri Correctional Facility for assaulting crew members.

Social media users are accusing authorities of selective justice, with political affiliations and influence at the center of the debate.

The controversy stems from Emmanson’s disruptive behaviour on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on Sunday.

Viral videos showed Emmanson being dragged off the plane, with allegations that she slapped a crew member and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon. She was quickly charged and detained, sparking discussions about fairness.

In contrast, KWAM 1’s incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja involved him refusing to comply with security protocols.

According to reports, KWAM 1 attempted to board ValueJet flight VK 201 with a flask containing liquid, insisting on carrying it despite regulations.

The situation escalated when he allegedly splashed the liquid on the pilot’s uniform, blocked the aircraft, and disrupted departure, causing significant delays and safety risks.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has placed him on a no-fly list and demanded an investigation, with ValueJet considering legal action.

KWAM 1 issued an apology, but critics argue it “falls flat,” and he has not been arrested or arraigned.

X users have been vocal in drawing parallels between the cases. @Dlex_c lamented, “This is what happens when you don’t tackle issues head on. What K1 did has given so many people the morale. Very soon we’ll see someone fighting pilots on the cockpit.”

@ScarTissue101 questioned the legal framework, stating, “And the law doesn’t say many things about what K1 did? Which carries more weight, the constitution/law or NYSC handbook? The problem is that you guys follow like sheep and fail to think for yourselves, but then, that’s what you’ve been trained to be.”

This post linked to another unavailable discussion, underscoring frustration with perceived inconsistencies.

@baba jogunomi replied to a thread, asserting, “You need to study more please, what K1 did is tantamount to terrorism.”

Similarly, @femiTRP remarked, “What K1 did was nothing but terrorism but to err is human. Meanwhile for Comfort, to err is jail.”

These comments frame KWAM 1’s actions as severe, potentially endangering lives by disrupting flight operations.

Political undertones emerged in the discourse. @eluckki claimed, “Anyone who believes this doesn’t know the APC very well. This is all planned by them to downplay what K1 did,” suggesting that KWAM 1’s affiliation with the All Progressives Congress (APC) might influence the lenient treatment.

@ghettosun_naija urged balanced judgment: “Sometimes some of you need to step back from your blind support for your favourites & judge issue with balanced view. How can you trivialize what K1 did just because you want to justify the injustice against that young lady?. I know K1 shares party as you, hence the sentiment.”

@mamatii001 defended the disparity, arguing, “How is it same offence? Someone stood in front of a flight at the risk of his life. D other slapped air hostess and even want to smash her head with extinguisher at the risk of entire passengers. Learn how to be balance boy.”

However, @i_am olawunmi attributed broader issues to KWAM 1, stating, “Y’all can see what K1 DE ULTIMATE had caused SMH.”

The incidents have prompted calls for equitable enforcement of aviation laws. Aviation experts emphasize that disruptions, whether through physical assault or operational interference, pose serious risks.

“Blocking a flight or assaulting crew both endanger passengers and must be treated with equal severity,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, an aviation safety consultant.

The NCAA’s response to KWAM 1, including suspension of the involved pilot in a separate twist, has further fueled debates about accountability.

As investigations continue, with KWAM 1 potentially facing a flight ban and legal repercussions, the public discourse on X underscores a deeper concern: the erosion of trust in Nigeria’s justice system when influence appears to tip the scales.