Foundation Sounds the Alarm on Gendered Injustice in Nigeria’s Aviation Sector
WABMA Media Development Foundation has issued a strong statement denouncing systemic gendered injustice in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The organisation drew attention to two high-profile incidents that it says expose a troubling double standard in how aviation regulations are enforced.
The first involved Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger, who was reportedly subjected to a humiliating arrest for a minor infraction. In contrast, popular musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, widely known as KWAM1, allegedly disrupted a commercial flight, an offence considered far more serious, yet has faced no comparable consequences.
According to WABMA’s Executive Director, Ken Okere, this selective enforcement reflects an abuse of institutional power. He described it as “violence by procedure,” warning that such bias undermines public trust in Nigeria’s aviation and justice systems. The foundation insists that justice must not depend on a person’s social status or political connections.
WABMA also classified the treatment of Emmanson as a form of institutional sexual and gender-based violence. The group argued that such actions go beyond physical harm, inflicting psychological trauma, public shaming, and erosion of dignity.
Through its “Amplifying the Voices of Leaders of Faith and Culture” project, backed by the Ford Foundation, WABMA is pushing for a justice system that is both trauma-informed and gender-sensitive. The foundation rejected what it called “performative” enforcement, calling instead for fairness and accountability at all levels.
Among its demands, WABMA is urging the government to withdraw KWAM1’s ambassadorial nomination, arguing that it is morally indefensible while allegations remain unresolved. It has also recommended that he be subjected to restorative justice measures, such as community service, rather than being rewarded with a public office.
The foundation further called for a transparent investigation into the alleged assault on female aviation staff by KWAM1. It emphasised that no individual should be above the law, regardless of celebrity status.
To prevent future injustices, WABMA proposed mandatory gender-sensitive and trauma-informed training for aviation officials, law enforcement, and regulatory agents. These measures, the foundation says, will help ensure humane enforcement protocols that prioritise dignity and equality.
Additionally, WABMA is advocating for the creation of an independent oversight body that includes civil society representation. This body should have the authority to investigate complaints of rights violations within 72 hours and release preliminary findings to the public.
Transparency is a central theme in WABMA’s recommendations. The group is urging aviation authorities to publish enforcement data broken down by gender, level of force used, nature of the offence, and eventual outcome. Such disclosure, they argue, will strengthen accountability and public trust.
Finally, WABMA has called on the media to report such incidents with empathy and responsibility, avoiding sensationalism and victim-blaming. The foundation warns that careless coverage can reinforce gender stereotypes and retraumatise victims.
In its closing statement, WABMA reminded all stakeholders that credibility in public institutions is built on fairness, consistency, and the humane treatment of every citizen. Anything less, it warned, risks entrenching injustice and eroding public confidence.
