Justice must be fair, Peter Obi faults handling of Ibom Air passenger’s arrest

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, describing it as a reflection 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, stressing the need for Nigerians to uphold good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”

However, he condemned what he termed the “dehumanising treatment” of Emmanson, who was stripped publicly before being hurriedly taken to court and remanded.

He noted that while she is in custody, another individual who “held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk” remains at large, 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.”

ADVERTISEMENT

He argued that the incident exemplified a broader pattern where the poor and less privileged are punished swiftly, while politically connected offenders 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.