Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air passenger incident, describing it as evidence of “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system.
In a statement on Monday via his official X handle, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by passenger, Comfort Emmanson, urging Nigerians to uphold good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”
However, he condemned what he called the “dehumanising treatment” of Emmanson, who was allegedly stripped publicly before being hastily taken to court and remanded.
Obi noted that while Emmanson is in custody, another individual who “held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk” has not been apprehended, with some government officials calling for him to be forgiven.
He wrote, “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.
“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.
“We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker. 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, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.”
Obi argued that the incident reflects a wider trend in which the poor and less privileged face swift punishment, while politically connected individuals evade accountability.
“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,” he concluded.
