By Amofokhai Williams
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has ignited a national conversation on Nigeria’s justice system, condemning what he describes as “double standards” in the handling of an incident involving Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson.
In a statement posted on X, Obi criticized the swift prosecution and “dehumanising” treatment of Emmanson while highlighting the lack of accountability for another individual who disrupted a flight, raising broader concerns about selective justice in Nigeria.
The incident, which occurred on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, involved Emmanson allegedly assaulting crew members after refusing to turn off her mobile phone before takeoff.
According to Ibom Air, Emmanson’s actions escalated upon landing, where she verbally abused the purser, slapped crew members, tore off a wig, and attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon. S
he was subsequently charged to court and remanded to Kirikiri Correctional Facility, prompting Obi’s outspoken critique.
In his statement, Obi expressed regret for the crew’s ordeal, saying, “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.”
However, he sharply condemned the response to Emmanson’s actions, particularly the public stripping by security operatives, which he called “not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies.”
Obi contrasted Emmanson’s swift prosecution with the case of another individual-widely reported to be Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), who allegedly disrupted a ValueJet flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
According to reports, KWAM 1 violated aviation security regulations but has faced no arrest or prosecution, with some officials reportedly advocating for leniency.
Obi stated, “It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk is still at large, with government agencies and some state officials speaking up for him to be forgiven.”
The former Anambra State governor framed the incident as emblematic of systemic issues, asserting, “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 further noted, “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.”
Obi’s remarks also touched on broader societal inequities, particularly gender disparities.
He argued, “We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker.” He compared Emmanson’s treatment to the impunity enjoyed by those he described as “parading themselves as ‘excellencies’ while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.”
Calling for accountability, Obi urged the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to address the disparity, stating, “The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all.” He emphasized the need for a fair legal system, concluding, “The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy.”
