The detention of a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, in Kirikiri Correctional Centre has ignited a heated public debate over fairness in the enforcement of aviation laws in Nigeria.

Emmanson, who was involved in a disruptive incident on an Ibom Air Uyo–Lagos flight on Sunday, faces charges after she allegedly assaulted cabin crew and security personnel when asked to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff. Viral videos circulating on social media show her slapping and kicking officials, including a female air hostess, before being escorted off the aircraft.

Ibom Air claimed the situation escalated to the point where Emmanson attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon before being restrained. The airline has since banned her from all future flights and submitted an official report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

According to the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation, Tunde Moshood, Emmanson was charged to court and remanded in Kirikiri. “The unruly passenger… has been charged to court, and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri,” Moshood stated.

However, her detention has triggered accusations of double standards, with critics pointing to the recent case of Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1). Ayinde was alleged to have obstructed a ValueJet flight in Abuja last week and assaulted crew members but has not faced similar legal consequences.

Social media users drew sharp contrasts between the two incidents. While some condemned Emmanson’s behaviour, many questioned why KWAM 1 was neither arrested nor arraigned, despite allegations that he disrupted flight operations — an offence considered serious under aviation safety laws.

On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “Some animals are more equal than others. Nigeria is my country.” Another commented, “KWAM 1 assaulted an air hostess and pilot, blocked the plane, yet he is at home. Comfort refused to turn off her phone and is in prison.”

Political aides, commentators, and ordinary citizens joined the debate, with many calling for consistent application of the law regardless of status. Paul Ibe, a political aide, noted that failing to hold KWAM 1 accountable could encourage similar behaviour from others.

The controversy spilled over to Facebook, where users demanded equal treatment for both incidents. Comments ranged from calls for KWAM 1’s arraignment to broader criticisms of perceived systemic bias in Nigeria’s justice system.

Amid the growing uproar, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reminded all passengers of the need to comply with aviation rules, warning that violations would be met with sanctions.

For now, Emmanson remains in custody pending further legal proceedings, but the broader debate over selective justice — especially when powerful figures are involved — shows no sign of fading.