It took hours to settle on a headline for this piece — and for good reason. Yesterday morning, while watching a television programme, I noticed the presenters and guests casually using the phrase “KWAM-this-and-that” to describe recent unruly behaviours in Nigeria’s aviation sector caught on viral videos.
“King” Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM-1, may not be a household name in Nigeria’s Eastern or Northern regions. However, in the West and Yoruba communities around the world, he is a cultural icon — a celebrated fuji musician. On Lagos Island, he is a beloved figure, and he enjoys close personal ties with President Bola Tinubu, whose upbringing was linked to the household of a famous market leader, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.
Recently, KWAM-1 was involved in an embarrassing incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Reports allege that he attempted to board a Lagos-bound Value Jet aircraft with a flask containing an unidentified liquid — possibly alcohol or water. Aviation activities are strictly governed by international safety rules, and airport staff, security officers, pilots, and crew are authorised to enforce them. Passengers are expected to comply with these instructions for everyone’s safety.
In this case, KWAM-1 reportedly poured the liquid on airport staff, obstructed a closed and running aircraft, and persisted in disruptive behaviour. The pilot, Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, lost her patience — unprofessionally so — and moved the aircraft while KWAM-1 was nearby. The plane’s wing could have seriously injured him had he not moved in time. Authorities quickly suspended the pilot’s licence. Had KWAM-1 been injured or killed, the consequences would have been far more serious.
Initially, KWAM-1 downplayed the matter, but as public outrage grew, he issued an “apology” laced with name-dropping and self-praise. The only official who demonstrated decisive leadership was Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, SAN, who urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to impose a six-month no-fly suspension on the musician.
Questions remain over airport security’s role in the incident. In many countries, blocking an aircraft’s movement and endangering passengers would be treated as a severe security breach, possibly even as an act of terrorism. Yet, days later, KWAM-1 — a man with close political connections — remains free.
The incident recalls other controversies, such as Adams Oshiomhole’s public clash with Air Peace, where law enforcement again failed to act decisively.
Another troubling case involved Miss Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. Reports state she defied crew safety instructions, assaulted a female crew member, and caused a disturbance. While she certainly deserved to face consequences, what followed was excessive and degrading. Airport officials reportedly tore her blouse, leaked indecent footage online, and subjected her to public humiliation before dragging her to court. She was remanded in prison until October 6, 2025, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) imposed a lifetime ban on her.
The contrast is striking: KWAM-1 and Oshiomhole — both influential figures — faced minimal consequences, while Comfort Emmanson, with no political or social clout, was subjected to immediate and severe punishment within 24 hours. Her actions were wrong, but she still had the right to dignity under the law. Even convicted criminals retain certain legal protections. Political leader Peter Obi deserves credit for publicly supporting her right to humane treatment.
Nigeria’s law enforcement often displays its strength only against the powerless. Soldiers, police officers, and other authorities readily intimidate ordinary citizens but hesitate when dealing with politically connected individuals. When confronted with armed groups such as Boko Haram or bandits, some even retreat or compromise.
Professionalism, fairness, and integrity are sorely lacking in the system. The lesson from Comfort Emmanson’s case is clear: while passengers must obey aviation safety rules, the authorities must also uphold justice without fear or favour. As the Bible says, “obedience is better than sacrifice.”
