Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has faulted the arraignment of Comfort Emmanson, the female passenger accused of being unruly during a flight operated by Ibom Air.
In a post on X on Monday, Obi said the recent incident has exposed the double standards in Nigeria’s justice system and the failure of security operatives to act in a civilised manner.
He described the development as “unfortunate and dishonourable,” while condemning the treatment meted out to the passenger by officials.
“I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson. We must, as a society, learn and uphold good conduct, as it is a true measure of success and decent living,” Obi said.
“However, I must equally strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment meted out to this young woman.
“Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies.”
Obi faulted the “hurried” arraignment and remand of Emmanson while another individual, who allegedly delayed a flight and endangered lives, remains free, with some government officials calling for him to be forgiven.
“This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials,” he said.
“While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard. He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court.”
‘END SELECTIVE TREATMENT OF THE POOR’
The former Anambra governor said Nigeria must be a country where justice is impartial, equitable, and applied without bias, particularly against women perceived as vulnerable.
“This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as “excellencies” while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice,” Obi said.
“We must end this selective treatment of the poor or less privileged. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly.”
He added that the minister of aviation and other relevant authorities owe Nigerians an explanation for the “double standards in their adjudication”.
Videos shared on X showed an enraged female passenger attacking a flight attendant on an Ibom Air plane and confronting airport security officials.
Earlier, Ibom Air said it had imposed a travel restriction on the passenger for assaulting some of its cabin crew members, and will no longer fly with any of its aircraft.
The ministry of aviation also announced that the passenger has been charged in court and is currently remanded in Kirikiri correctional facility.
The incident happened days after a row at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, involving Wasiu Ayinde, a popular Fuji musician.
The musician was placed on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also petitioned the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and the inspector-general of police (IGP) to investigate the incident.
