August 11, (THEWILL) — Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “selective justice” in the handling of an Ibom Air passenger accused of assaulting a crew member.
The incident, involving passenger Comfort Emmanson, has drawn public outrage after a viral video showed her being dragged off the aircraft by security personnel and stripped of her blouse. Emmanson is currently remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos.
Ibom Air alleged that she refused to switch off her mobile phone and assaulted a crew member. The Airline Operators of Nigeria has since placed her on an indefinite “no-fly” list.
While criticising Emmanson’s conduct and apologising to the assaulted crew, Obi faulted the manner in which she was treated.
In a statement on his X handle, the former Anambra State governor said stripping her was “dehumanising” and “unnecessary,” arguing that more influential individuals who have endangered lives have faced no such treatment.
Obi drew a comparison with Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as KWAM 1, who was filmed obstructing a ValueJet aircraft from taking off but has neither been arrested nor charged.
Obi said: “This 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.”
He urged authorities, including the Minister of Aviation, to explain the “double standards” and ensure that justice is fair and equal.
Meanwhile, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has vowed to impose strict sanctions on any passenger who disrupts airline operations, stressing that safety and orderliness must be maintained at all times.
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