16/08/2025
*Selective Justice in the Skies: How Weak Institutions Are Enabling Lawlessness in Nigeria*
A public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a ₦500 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and others. At the heart of the case lies what he describes as a “blatant breach of the rule of law” following the unequal treatment of aviation infractions by Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1) and a passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson.
Ademiluyi questions the absurdity of rewarding K1 with a brand ambassadorship after he disrupted a flight, an act that should have drawn strict sanctions. “What message does it send when someone stops a plane and gets honoured for it?” he asks. Emmanson, similarly involved in a flight disruption, has received sympathy and support from political elites.
Adding to this trend, a disturbing new incident occurred on August 16 aboard an Enugu Air flight. A passenger refused to switch off his phone before takeoff, threatening: “Wetin happen for Ibom Air go happen here now.” Only after other passengers intervened did he comply.
These cases signal a dangerous erosion of institutional authority. When enforcement is selective and misconduct by elites is excused or glorified, the ripple effect emboldens others to flout rules. Nigeria’s growing culture of impunity endangers public safety and mocks accountability.
Until Nigeria prioritizes strong institutions over powerful individuals, lawlessness will remain normalized, and national progress will remain elusive.
A POV NIGERIA Editorial
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