Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident involving passenger Comfort Emmanson, describing it as a glaring example of the “double standards” that plague Nigeria’s justice system.
In a statement posted to his official X handle on Monday, Obi condemned the assault on the Ibom Air crew and apologised to the affected staff. However, he expressed strong concern over what he called the “dehumanising treatment” of Emmanson, who was reportedly stripped in public before being hastily arraigned and remanded in custody.
“This case is not just about one young woman; it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” Obi wrote. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
Obi pointed out that while Emmanson has been swiftly detained, another individual who recently disrupted a flight’s departure—endangering hundreds of lives—has neither been arrested nor charged. In that case, he noted, some government officials even called for leniency.
“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 said.
He emphasised the need for justice to be impartial and equitable, stressing that true democratic governance must be grounded in the rule of law, not in selective enforcement.
“We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective—especially against women who are seen to be weaker,” he continued. “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—yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.”
The former Anambra State governor called on the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to explain what he described as clear inconsistencies in how offenders are treated.
“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. The rule of law, based on justice for all, must remain the guidepost of our democracy,” Obi concluded.
