By Ayo Ayodele
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the arraignment and remand of Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting airline staff, saying justice in Nigeria must be fair and non-selective.
In a statement on his official X handle, Obi acknowledged that Emmanson’s actions should not be condoned but questioned why she was swiftly prosecuted while another offender—Fuji artiste Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate), who allegedly delayed a flight in Abuja—has not faced similar legal consequences.
“It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and endangered hundreds of lives is still at large,” Obi said. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
He also condemned what he called the “dehumanising” treatment of Emmanson, including being stripped in public, which he described as “an abuse by our agencies.”
Obi added that her offence pales in comparison to the crimes of those who loot public funds without facing consequences. He urged the Minister of Aviation and relevant authorities to explain what he sees as clear double standards.
Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has imposed a lifetime no-fly ban on Emmanson across all member airlines, warning that future offenders will face the same penalty.