Peter Obi has slammed double standards in arraignment of Ibom Air Passenger.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, has criticised the arraignment and public humiliation of Comfort Emmanson, the female passenger accused of unruly behaviour aboard an Ibom Air flight.
In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi said the incident revealed the “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system and condemned the “uncivilised” conduct of security operatives involved.
ALSO: Watch Moment Ibom Air Passenger, Comfort Emmanson Was Stripped Naked (FULL VIDEO)
The former Anambra State governor apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by Emmanson but described her treatment including being stripped in public as “unnecessary, dishonourable, and dehumanising.”
“Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies,” Obi stated.
Obi faulted what he described as the “hurried” arraignment and remand of Emmanson, contrasting it with the case of another individual accused of delaying a flight and endangering lives who remains free, with some government officials calling for leniency.
He stressed that the issue went beyond one passenger, pointing to systemic bias in favour of the influential while the poor face swift and harsh punishment.
“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.
Calling for an end to selective justice, Obi argued that fairness must be the foundation of Nigeria’s legal system, warning against prejudices, particularly toward women perceived as vulnerable.
The Labour Party leader also demanded that the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities explain the disparity in their actions.
The controversy began after videos surfaced on social media showing Emmanson confronting a flight attendant and airport security personnel. Ibom Air later announced a travel ban on her, citing assault on its cabin crew, while the Ministry of Aviation confirmed she had been charged to court and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Facility.
The incident occurred just days after a separate row at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde. He was placed on a no-fly list pending investigation, but unlike Emmanson, has not been arraigned.
