Peter Obi Calls Out Injustice Over Ibom Air Passenger Treatment

Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned what he called double standards in Nigeria’s justice system following the recent Ibom Air incident involving Miss Comfort Emmanson.

In a statement posted on X on Monday, Obi apologized to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by Emmanson but strongly criticized the “dehumanising” treatment she received from security operatives.

He alleged that Emmanson was publicly stripped, arraigned in court, and remanded, while another passenger accused of delaying a flight and endangering hundreds of lives has not been arrested or prosecuted.

“This case is not just about one young woman; it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” Obi said. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”

Obi argued that selective enforcement of the law, especially against women and the less privileged, weakens the rule of law and erodes public trust. He pointed out that the different treatment between Emmanson and the other offender reflects a wider culture where politically connected individuals avoid accountability for more serious offenses.

He called on the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to address the disparity and ensure justice is applied equally.

The full statement reads:
“The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to light the double standards in our society and the failure of some security operatives to act with decency and civility. I begin by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson.

We must learn and uphold good conduct as a true measure of success and dignity. However, I strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment meted out to this young woman. Publicly stripping her was unnecessary and represents a grave abuse by our agencies. It is unacceptable that she was quickly arraigned and remanded, while another person who visibly delayed a flight and endangered hundreds of lives remains free, with government agencies and some state officials advocating for his forgiveness.

This case is about more than one young woman; it highlights the double standards poisoning our justice system. Justice in Nigeria must never depend on whether one is poor or powerless, or connected to influential officials. While Ms. Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more serious crime has not been held accountable.

He has neither been arrested nor arraigned. We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective—especially not against women perceived as weaker. This young woman’s offense pales in comparison to the daily crimes committed by those parading as “excellencies” who loot public funds without consequence, yet are neither stripped of dignity nor held accountable.

We must end this selective treatment of the poor and less privileged. If justice is to be served, it must be served fairly and to all. The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these glaring double standards. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. The rule of law, based on justice for all, must guide our democracy.”