The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has moved to set the record straight over recent controversies involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 de Ultimate, and Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson.
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. 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.
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The contrasting outcomes have been widely criticised, with the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing 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.
