Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused the Federal Government of undermining its moral authority to prosecute unruly air passengers.
He recently revealed that its decision to pardon Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, over alleged misconduct at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is why it now lacks further authority to punish similar offenders.
Speaking via a press statement, Falana said that the FG accepting KWAM 1’s apology and announcing plans to appoint him as an ambassador for airport security protocol sets a dangerous precedent.
According to him, the recent withdrawal of charges against Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who is also accused of unruly behaviour on an Ibom Air flight, is proof that the government’s selective handling of such cases risks accusations of discrimination.
“By this action, the Federal Government has lost its moral right to arrest and prosecute any passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports,” he said.
He further noted that pardoning KWAM 1 without trial contradicts the principle of equal application of the law.
Falana concluded by saying that decisions like that is why Nigerians no longer believe in the country’s justice system.
“Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the government will henceforth be accused of discriminatory treatment whenever it prosecutes other passengers for similar conduct,” he added.
