By Sunny A. David, Awka
A former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government for the swift arraignment of Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger accused of unruly conduct aboard an Ibom Air flight, while another high-profile offender remains free.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi described the incident as a reflection of double standards in Nigeria’s justice system and a failure of security agencies to act with civility.
He apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by Emmanson, stressing the importance of upholding good conduct in society.
However, Obi strongly condemned what he called the “dehumanising” treatment of the passenger, particularly reports that she was publicly stripped.
“Stripping her publicly was unnecessary and represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies,” he said.
The Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate faulted the “hurried” arraignment and remand of Emmanson, contrasting it with the case of another passenger who allegedly delayed a flight and endangered lives but remains unpunished, with some government officials calling for his forgiveness.
“This is not just about one young woman it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” Obi stated. “Justice in Nigeria must never depend on who is poor and powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
Obi added that Emmanson’s offence pales in comparison to crimes committed daily by public officials who embezzle funds without consequence. He called on the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to explain the perceived bias in handling the case.
Videos circulating on X show a visibly angry Emmanson confronting a flight attendant and later clashing with airport security personnel.
Ibom Air has since announced a lifetime ban on the passenger, barring her from all its flights for assaulting cabin crew members.
The Ministry of Aviation confirmed that she has been charged to court and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
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